Canterbury District Health Board is going against doctors' orders for two new tower blocks at Christchurch Hospital

Instead - the DHB's pushing ahead with one new medical tower block and minimal beds.

Executive Director of Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, Sarah Dalton, says staff told them capacity is stretched to breaking point

But, in a secret meeting - the board approved the least wanted option.

She says they would prefer the board go back to the original proposals in the master plan.