The increase in the rebuild population in Canterbury is believed to be responsible for the huge jump in the number of people turning up to Christchurch Hospital's Emergency Department.

Since the earthquakes, use of ED has spiked 50 percent for the 25-29 age group, and almost 30 percent for the 20-24 year old age group.

ED clinical director Dr Scott Pearson says a lot of cases aren't emergencies and are having a big impact on resources and waiting times.

He says the thing that worries them particularly is it means juggling limited resources, and sometimes can make it difficult to focus on the people who really do need urgent attention.

Canterbury DHB chief executive David Meates says before the quakes, Canterbury's ED attendance was much lower, but since the quakes there has been a rapid growth in the rebuild population, both from within New Zealand and overseas.

He quotes Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment figures which show that in the 12 months to June 2014, employment increased by 37,200. Almost 80 percent of that number (29,000) has come from outside Canterbury.

David Meates says traditionally the population had a strong relationship with the General Practise team and listened to messages to contact them unless their health condition is an emergency, but it appears new migrants don't have this relationship with a GP, and are defaulting to ED for many conditions that would be better cared for in a General Practise.

Something, Dr Pearson agrees with, saying it puts additional pressure on resources, extends wait times and means Canterbury misses out on vital funding for core services.
He says if people aren't enrolling with a GP in Christchurch, then they don't bring funding with them.

David Meates says the rebuild and associated population is predominately younger and if they're not enrolled at a General Practise in Canterbury, then they are unlikely to be counted in the official numbers used to determine funding for Canterbury.

He's encouraging people commuting to Christchurch from other cities and towns during the week to also enrol with a GP in Canterbury if this is where they spend most of their time working.