The Health Minister is adamant the country's hospitals are in good heart.

That's despite anecdotal evidence to the contrary.

Last week, it was revealed a baby died because Waikato Hospital had only one operating theatre for C-sections, and DHB board members weren't informed.

At other DHBs, hospitals are running at capacity amid complaints of under-staffing and funding shortfalls.

Jonathan Coleman told Rachel Smalley hospital emergency departments are busy due to a particularly severe flu season.

"Overall more people are getting more access to services more quickly and in greater numbers than before."

LISTEN ABOVE AS JONATHAN COLEMAN SPEAKS WITH RACHEL SMALLE