Nine Paediatric Respiratory Doctors Serve Entire Country

A new national audit of specialist respiratory care highlights significant concerns for paediatric services in New Zealand. The researcher warns that the system is nearly on the brink of collapse if any of the few doctors resign or retire.

Currently, just nine paediatric respiratory doctors cover the entire country, with only two regions hosting these specialists. This limited availability raises alarms about the accessibility of care for children who need respiratory support. Experts are calling for urgent attention to this issue to ensure that vulnerable patients are not left without the necessary medical help.

The disparity in service raises questions about the adequacy of the healthcare system, particularly as demand continues to grow. As the population increases, so does the need for specialised medical care, making it crucial for New Zealand to address these shortcomings swiftly.

Originally reported by RNZ New Zealand Headlines.