Switching from a five-bed emergency department to a 27-bed facility was an eye-opener for a Rarotongan doctor and registered nurse who spent two weeks working at Whangarei Hospital.
Dr Tekaai Nelesone and Patricia Puna were selected as part of a health professionals exchange between Whangarei and the Cook Islands.
The duo had a real Northland experience observing clinical services in Whangarei ED and other clinical areas before spending time with the Hauora Hokianga team in Rawene.
The exchange is organised through the Rotary Club's Bowden Trust with Northland DHB, in collaboration with Hauora Hokianga, to support the professional development of health professionals from the Cook Islands.
One difference the pair found were the longer waiting times in the emergency department here.