Health crisis: Northland cardiology patient fears falling through cracks in care

A patient from rural Northland who is often bed-ridden from critically high blood pressure says he is not getting enough help for his ongoing health problems. Robert Ewart, a 73-year-old from Hokianga’s Horeke , said he feels like doctors have given up on him, as four hospital visits have failed to control his extreme blood pressure. He is also struggling to get adequate respiratory care , despite his chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management being covered by ACC due to workplace exposure to asbestos.

But health officials say they are doing all they can and they are sorry Ewart feels his healthcare was inadequate. Ewart said he has no quality of life, often spending days in bed due with pounding headaches from the high blood pressure and being unable to take more than a few steps without running out of breath..