A former anaesthetic technician who helped perform CPR on a man who collapsed on an Auckland footpath says she is speaking out reluctantly after alleging that a nearby medical centre declined to assist or allow members of the public to use its defibrillator.
Police confirmed they were called to a sudden death on New North Rd in Mt Albert at about 4:25 p.m. on Thursday. The death has been referred to the coroner, which will determine the circumstances and cause of death.
Leoni Mcinroe, who runs a shop on New North Rd, said she noticed a crowd gathering outside the Mt Albert Medical Centre and went to see what was happening.
She said a man, whom she estimated to be in his late 60s or early 70s, was lying on the ground near a bus stop. Members of the public were already attempting to help.
According to Mcinroe, people at the scene told her they had contacted the medical centre for assistance but were allegedly told the man was not a patient and therefore staff could not help.
Mcinroe said she then took over CPR from another bystander and continued for about 15 minutes while waiting for emergency services.
She also alleged that requests for something to place beneath the man’s head were refused. She said members of the public eventually used a pillow themselves because his head was repeatedly striking the uneven concrete during CPR.
The availability of a defibrillator became another concern at the scene, according to Mcinroe. She said people asked whether the medical centre had one, but alleged that access was refused. A defibrillator was eventually brought from a nearby gym.
A woman who identified herself as a doctor and happened to be driving past reportedly took over CPR shortly before emergency services arrived.
Mcinroe said she later told police about what she described as the medical centre’s response. Police reportedly directed her to the Medical Council, and she said she has since lodged a complaint.
The Mt Albert Medical Centre practice manager, Monali Barot, said the practice was “deeply saddened by the tragedy” and was cooperating fully with authorities.
The Medical Council said it could not confirm whether a complaint had been received because of privacy requirements.
The allegations have not been independently established, and no conclusion has been reached about whether the medical centre’s actions contributed to the man’s death. The coroner’s findings and any relevant regulatory investigation may provide further information.
For now, the circumstances surrounding the man’s death remain under investigation.