Patients and whānau across Te Waipounamu are set to benefit from a winter support boost, strengthening the way hospitals maintain safe and efficient care for all during some of the busiest months of the year.

As part of the Winter Plan 2026, Health New Zealand has allocated $25 million into areas facing the greatest pressure, to ensure people living in the South Island can access the care they need when demand is at its highest.

Te Waipounamu Executive Regional Director Dr Pete Watson says preparing for the winter increase in patients is important.

A key focus is preventing patients becoming unwell through the wide use of flu vaccinations, making early use of primary care, such as their GP, and are managing their chronic health conditions well.

If people need hospital care during winter, a key focus of the plan is improving flow through the Emergency Department (ED) and the wider hospital, so patients receive care faster, Dr Watson said.

“Additional nursing and clinical staff will be in place across the region, and there will be an increase in the number of beds available over winter.”

The Winter Plan 2026 focuses on four priority areas: preventing illness, strengthening primary and community care, improving patient flow within hospitals, and supporting safe patient transition home after discharge.

Other significant steps being taken across the South Island include:

• Providing additional workforce hours in six rural hospitals or after hour sites on their busier days, supported by virtual consultations as required.
• Providing 250 short-stays in aged care facilities to support early discharge from hospitals
• Running an immunisation campaign for staff, residents and/or clients in aged care facilities and home and community support services to increase vaccination awareness
• Making it easier for aged-care residents to get antiviral medicines early by giving prescribers better access to these medications

These steps alongside other planning will ensure more New Zealanders get the right healthcare when and where they need it this winter.

Health NZ is encouraging everyone to take steps to stay well this winter: keep warm, stay up to date with vaccinations, and seek medical advice early if they or someone in their whānau becomes unwell. 

Getting a flu vaccination early, ideally before winter takes hold, is one of the best ways of protection. It’s free for those most at risk, including people aged 65+, pregnant women, and those with certain health conditions. For more information on eligibility and where to get vaccinated, visit healthnz.govt.nz/health-topics/immunisations.

Keeping homes warm and dry is also key to preventing respiratory illness, especially for young children. Simple steps such as fixing leaks and ventilating the home often can make a real difference, with practical support available through the Healthy Homes Initiative. For more information visit https://www.healthnz.govt.nz/healthy-homes-initiative

People can call Healthline on 0800 611 116, book an online GP appointment, visit a pharmacy, GP or urgent care clinic, or in the case of an emergency visit an ED.

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