Christchurch's emergency health providers are gearing up for the winter rush

Staff shortages forced the city's sole 24 Hour Surgery to close overnight for some time last year.

But, Pegasus Health Clinical Director Jasmine Mackay says the Madras Street site, has undertaken a successful recruitment campaign since then.

She says it's unlikely they'll have to stop accepting new patients this winter.

Although she says high demand from time-to-time could see some non-urgent patients re-directed.

While Christchurch Hospital's ED says it's prepared for its usual winter surge in demand, it's warning patients with less-urgent issues may have a long-wait.