Auckland's North Shore Hospital has a 20-bed ward full of people - with no medical reason to be there

It was created in May for medically discharged patients, who still require lower-level help from places like an aged-care facility - who have nowhere appropriate to go.

Some stay for weeks, looked after by nurses and allied staff such as physiotherapists and social workers.

Health New Zealand's Waitemata Operations Director, Brad Healey, says they ward was opened to help boost capacity over the busy winter period.