Christchurch Hospital is having to postpone surgeries as winter flu spikes

The emergency department has seen higher than normal admissions of patients, including children, with respiratory and winter-related illnesses over the past two weeks.

Planned surgeries were postponed yesterday to free up beds for those who are acutely unwell.

Health New Zealand Interim Canterbury group director of operations Joanne Gibbs says it's likely to continue for the rest of the week.

She's reminding people most viral illnesses can be safely treated at home and the ED should only be used for emergencies.