A patient advocate says Northland could be known as 'the doctor-less North', after a stroke patient was assessed by a U.S based doctor over telehealth
A patient advocate says Northland could be known as 'the doctor-less North', after a stroke patient was assessed by a U.S based doctor over telehealth
10 May 2025
The patient's wife had driven him to Kaitaia Hospital.
However she says she was shocked when the ED nurse wheeled in a computer screen and said the doctor - who was actually in the U.S would be on screen.
After the virtual consultation he was allowed to go home.
When his symptoms didn't approve - the patient went to Auckland City Hospital - where he stayed for a week.
Health NZ has apologised for the wait to see a doctor and has reassured patients that Kaitaia Hospital's ED and general ward are staffed 27/7.
Patient advocate Malcolm Mulholland says it's concerning and there's no substitute for a doctor in the flesh.
© 2025 Newstalk ZB, NZCity
