'Standing room only': Nurse describes worst day in 18 years at Waikato ED

'Standing room only': Nurse describes worst day in 18 years at Waikato ED <!--mynz:youtube-chapters--> {"v":1,"chapters":[{"timeSeconds":1,"label":"Nurse describes worst day","summary":"A nurse describes her worst day in 18 years at Waikato ED. She states that if people cannot afford to see a GP, they come to the ED."},{"timeSeconds":15,"label":"Nurse's 18 years of service","summary":"The nurse has worked in the emergency department for 18 years. She states that the situation is not getting any easier for staff or patients."},{"timeSeconds":26,"label":"Worst day in 18 years","summary":"The nurse states that the day she is describing was the worst she has seen in 18 years. She mentions that it was only three weeks ago."},{"timeSeconds":34,"label":"Overwhelmed ED","summary":"The emergency department was overwhelmed. The nurse states that they had over 300 patients for the day, with 48 needing primary nurse assessments."},{"timeSeconds":109,"label":"Staffing challenges","summary":"Health NZ acknowledges the situation is very unusual. They state that ED staff adapted and provided care for all patients on the day."},{"timeSeconds":120,"label":"Dangerous situation","summary":"The nurse states that the situation was dangerous. Patients were left waiting for treatment, and some were at risk."},{"timeSeconds":134,"label":"Minister's claims vs reality","summary":"The Health Minister claims more staff are working in EDs than ever before, leading to faster treatment. However, the nurse says this is not the reality."},{"timeSeconds":211,"label":"Workforce shortages","summary":"Dr. Michael Connelly states that persistent workforce shortages and maldistribution are increasing strain on EDs. This leads to bed blockages and patients waiting."}]} <!--/mynz:youtube-chapters-->