A wave of winter illnesses has hit Christchurch - with schools, early childhood and the city's medical centres feeling the strain

Several respiratory viruses are doing the rounds - including RSV, Covid and Influenza.

Pegasus Health's Lisa Brennan has confirmed it's impacting the city's 24 Hour Surgery - which has had to close its doors to patients on several occasions over the past few days.

Moorhouse Medical after hours service has also been closed since Friday, due to staff sickness.