Telehealth assessed Northland stroke patient due to doctor shortage

A stroke patient at Kaitaia Hospital was assessed via telehealth and discharged without treatment, sparking concerns about doctor shortages. The patient's assessment involved a digital consultation with a US-based doctor, highlighting the reliance on remote healthcare due to the lack of on-site physicians. This occurred at a hospital operating without a doctor present. Patient advocates worry about the "doctor-less North" as all three regional hospitals face doctor shortages. Health NZ Te Whatu Ora maintains healthcare professionals are available 24/7, using digital consults as standard practice.