Marlborough patients struggle to meet GP costsRICKY WILSON/FAIRFAX NZ Witherlea resident Jessie Rose was diagnosed with pneumonia after she delayed a visit to the doctor because she could not afford it. Wairau Hospital emergency medicine specialist Andrew Morgan said the emergency department had not received a complaint from Rose about her treatment. Over time a culture had built up in Marlborough of people using the emergency department more than in other regions, Tester said. Witherlea resident Jessie Rose said there would be less strain on the Wairau Hospital emergency department if the health board could make GP appointments more affordable. The first two times she went to the emergency department she was told her breathing problems were because of asthma, and she should see her GP.

Source: Stuff July 11, 2016 05:52 UTC