The length of time people are waiting to see a health professional is blowing out.

It could take up to six weeks to get an appointment at some GP clinics.

Taranaki and Canterbury hospitals last week warned they were operating well above capacity. The Taranaki emergency department was 30 patients above its 23 bed capacity last Tuesday.

Te Whatu Ora, Health NZ, says "across the motu, emergency department attendances and hospital admissions from ED have risen in recent weeks" and hospital occupancy has remained high.

The public is being reminded to only go to the ED for emergencies such as accidents, serious pain and trauma.

The Royal NZ College of GPs president Dr Samantha Murton spoke to Māni Dunlop.