Health New Zealand says it has a robust contingency plan to deal with staff shortages at Nelson Hospital

The hospital is without a medical registrar until 10pm - and its emergency department was also down a senior medical officer earlier today.

Acting Nelson Marlborough Head of Operations, Hilary Exton, says they're aware of the gap - and are ensuring patient safety is maintained and junior doctors are supported.

She says they're actively trying to recruit for the general medical registrar team.