Family says woman died after hospital told her she faced a 25-hour wait
A family is seeking answers after 40-year-old Briar Parfitt died following a visit to Palmerston North Hospital, where she was reportedly told she faced a 25-hour wait. While the family claims this wait time prompted her to leave, Health NZ maintains that average wait times were significantly lower.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding emergency department capacity and the potential life-threatening consequences of hospital wait times.
* The headline has been updated to clarify the family said Briar Parfitt feared a 25-hour wait
The article presents both the family's account and the official statement from Health NZ without taking a side.
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