By PALMER, Rebecca WELLINGTON HOSPITAL medical staff have told management the hospital needs one extra bed every 80 days.

By WATKINS, Tracy WELLINGTON'S new $300 million hospital was designed with too few beds to cope with the region's future needs. The news comes as Capital and Coast Health confirms it is on track to post a $26 million deficit this financial year -- $14 million more than previously projected.

THE public will have some input on Wellington region's future public transport plans next month.

By HILL, Ruth A SHORTAGE of doctors at Kenepuru Hospital's accident and medical clinic means Porirua and Kapiti Coast residents must go to Wellington for late-night emergency care. This has upset residents and local politicians say it will jeopardise lives.

POLICE are warning parents not to let children use "toy boats" in open waters after two sisters in a plastic inflatable were swept off Wellington's south coast. Sarah Leo, 19, and Aina Ale, 10, were playing in the boat when strong winds blew them out to sea off Island Bay beach yesterday afternoon.