Christchurch’s only 24 hour surgery was forced to closed its doors for the first time last night due to high demand.

The public was made aware of last night’s decision via the Madras Street clinic’s Facebook page.

On Wednesday morning, Pegasus Health General Manager Patient and provider services Lisa Brennan said “24 Hour Surgery was at capacity and we felt it was clinically unsafe to accept new patients until the number of people waiting to be seen reduced.

“We closed just after 9pm and reopened again at 11:45pm” she said.

 “Patients were provided with information about where to seek care until the surgery returned to normal operating.

 “We worked with other providers and Christchurch Hospital Emergency Department to ensure those who needed care immediately were able to be seen.

“This is the first time we have had to do this. It was the best way to ensure we were providing safe quality care and will remain an option while patient numbers remain high,” she said. 

A former staff member told Chris Lynch “for them to close to patients, it must be crazy busy.”

The Riccarton Clinic is open until 8PM, while the Moorhouse Ave clinic was open until 4pm.