Covid-19: Does NZ have enough ICU beds, ventilators?
What happens if New Zealand's intensive care units are swamped with Covid-19 cases?
Who or what will decide which patients get priority? That is exactly what a group of doctors, ethics specialists and lay representatives are drawing up right now; a set of guidlines.
A Health Ministry audit shows there are curently 153 intensive care beds in public hospital and that could be expanded to Just over 560 by co-opting space from other units. The DHBs have access to 520 ventilators.
Dr Andrew Stapleton is the spokesperson for the Australia New Zealand Intensive Care Society Covid-19 group.
Lisa Owen asked him if that is enough.
What happens if New Zealand’s intensive care units are swamped with Covid-19 cases?
Who or what will decide which patients get priority? That is exactly what a group of doctors, ethics specialists and lay representatives are drawing up right now; a set of guidlines.
A Health Ministry audit shows there are curently 153 intensive care beds in public hospital and that could be expanded to Just over 560 by co-opting space from other units. The DHBs have access to 520 ventilators.
Dr Andrew Stapleton is the spokesperson for the Australia New Zealand Intensive Care Society Covid-19 group.
Lisa Owen asked him if that is enough.
