A South Auckland doctor is concerned the death rate of people with Covid isolating at home will rise, as many GPS don't have the resources or equipment to monitor them. Around 2000 people with the virus are living at home, and with hospitals in Auckland already struggling to cope, Dr Maryann Heather from the Pasifika Medical Association says it falls back on primary care.
Currently her practice which has more than 5000 patients, has no pulse oximeters, which are key to monitoring the oxygen levels in the blood of patients isolating at home. She says getting the right resources takes time. Susie talks to Dr Maryann Heather, Debbie Sorensen, the chief executive of Pasifika Futures and Pasifika Medical Association, and Europa Kupu, Whānau Ora manager for The Fono.
Photo: healthline.com
