Vanessa Thornton
Dr. Vanessa Thornton is the group director of operations for Counties Manukau Health and an emergency physician. She has been vocal about the challenges faced by the Middlemore Emergency Department, particularly regarding patient care during overcrowding and staff shortages. Thornton has expressed sympathy for the staff's concerns, acknowledging the difficulties in providing adequate care under pressure, and is involved in efforts to secure additional funding and resources to improve the situation in the ED.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
Vanessa Thornton acknowledged that baby Aaliya’s predicament wasn’t communicated clearly enough with the family.
Bereaved mother Priyanka Prasad questions care after baby daughter Aaliya Kaitani’s death at Middlemore Hospital
New Zealand· 2026-01-26
Dr. Vanessa Thornton addressed the mould issue and encouraged people to report concerns about the facilities.
Hygiene concerns raised after mould found at Manukau Super ClinicNew Zealand· 2025-11-29
Health NZ Northern acting deputy chief executive Vanessa Thornton said it would never turn anyone away from emergency departments when they needed care.
Auckland ambulance patients being diverted to non-hospital clinicsNew Zealand· 2025-07-14Vanessa Thornton is the Counties Manukau group director of operations who discussed the challenges faced by the ED staff.
More than 1500 patients treated in corridors at Middlemore ED in a month amid staff shortagesNew Zealand· 2025-05-25
