Whangārei Hospital ED staff fear someone could die waiting for care

Multimedia Journalist·Northern Advocate·18 Jul, 2026 06:00 AM4 mins to read‌New Zealand Nurses Union delegate Rachel Thorn (inset) says Whangārei Hospital's emergency department is often completely overwhelmed. Photos / NZMEWhangārei Hospital’s emergency department is so busy that staff fear someone will die waiting for help.But Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora says patient safety is the highest priority, with a system to reassess patients waiting for care. Both Health NZ and hospital staff have said those who need