Will's Word is Pacific Mornings host William Terite's daily opinion piece on the latest news happening here and around the Pacific.
Photo/ PMN News
Pacific Mornings' host William Terite says the death of an ED patient in Rotorua Hospital shows staff concerns aren't being heeded.
Now it’s time for Will’s Word…
The recent death of a patient in Rotorua Hospital's emergency department who collapsed after waiting three hours to be seen, reflects a critical failure in our healthcare system.
It’s the consequences of chronic staffing shortages and systemic inefficiencies in emergency care – issues that have been well publicised.
Despite urgent warnings from ED staff about excessive wait times, management’s response was insufficient — but it points to a wider issue doesn’t it? Our health system is in tatters some would argue.
The fact that this patient, who should have been seen within an hour, remained stuck in a crowded waiting room until it was too late is a glaring example of systemic neglect.
The incident not only reflects a tragic loss of life but also points to a broader, more pervasive crisis affecting emergency departments across the country.
This event is perhaps a symptom of a nationwide problem where delays and overcrowding have tangible, and sometimes fatal, consequences.