By Natalie Akoorie of RNZ Residents in the small King Country town of Te Kūiti are concerned the community could lose its only ambulance. The union for.
Lifesaving care delayed at Palmerston North Hospital s ED stuff.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from stuff.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The Omicron outbreak's taking its toll on paramedics, with Auckland down nine ambulances on Saturday night because of a lack of staff.
St John is putting it down to illness and self isolation, compounded by a shortage of healthcare workers which it says is affecting the entire sector.
But workers say the issues are much bigger than covid - and urgent intervention is needed.
Nita Blake-Persen reports.