Racism fallout at North Shore Hospital after patient request to avoid Asian staff

The Herald understands a hospital patient request to avoid staff of Asian ethnicity was initially acceded to, causing distress amongst workers. Health New Zealand is refusing to release information about the situation, or comment on specifics, citing patient privacy. A health union says its members contacted it about the incident at North Shore Hospital, and is critical of how Health NZ has responded.

A patient at a major hospital asked not to receive care from anyone of Asian ethnicity - a request that was initially granted, which distressed staff. Health New Zealand-Te Whatu Ora is refusing to release information on what happened and the fallout, citing the patient’s privacy. However, a major health union has confirmed it is aware of the incident at North Shore Hospital, after contact from its members.

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