Sick children face delays getting treatment at Dunedin Hospital, as its paediatric department struggles with staff shortages

In a memo issued to the public, Health NZ's service manager Rebecca Jewell says children on the waiting list needing a 'routine appointment' will experience extended wait times.

She says this issue isn't expected to be resolved before July next year.

The ODT reports the memo notes the department is experiencing a high number of vacancies in the senior medical officer team.

Jewell advised people not to contact their specialist while waiting for an appointment, but to keep in touch with their GP.