Gisborne Hospital's children's ward has reached full capacity for the first time in two years as respiratory illnesses put health services under pressure. The children's ward at Gisborne Hospital is full, with an increase in all respiratory illnesses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Photo: Unsplash Children receiving day surgery might be cared for on adult wards to avoid exposure to respiratory illnesses, and Hauora Tairāwhiti DHB is considering whether to postpone non-urgent surgeries for children. Children under five years old are not allowed to visit the Planet Sunshine children's ward. Gisborne Hospital paediatrician Dr Shaun Grant said there had been an increase in all respiratory illnesses, of which the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was just one cause.