45848 (2025). Dr Tracey McLellan to the Minister of Health

45848 (2025). Dr Tracey McLellan to the Minister of Health: How many staffed ICU beds are currently available at Christchurch Hospital, and how does this compare to 2022, 2023, and 2024?

Hon Simeon Brown: I am advised that Christchurch Hospital’s ICU has continued to strengthen its capacity in recent years. The unit increased from 21 staffed beds in 2022 to 28 staffed beds in 2023, and now operates with 24 staffed beds, with an additional four physical beds available to flex up to 28 when demand requires. As I said in Written Parliamentary Question 45845 (2025), I am further advised there are no workforce gaps. This growth in capacity reflects our continued focus on putting patients first and ensuring all New Zealanders have access to timely, quality care. While this progress is encouraging, we know there is still more work to do to ensure ICU capacity continues to meet the needs of the people of Christchurch.