2887 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

2887 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What actions, if any, have been taken in the last quarter to expand places for 85 new allied, scientific and technical professionals in key pathways, including 24 ATs, 20 paramedics, 20 oral health therapists and 18 radiation therapists?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised that in the October to December 2023 quarter, a new cardiac sonography programme (PG Dip in Cardiac Sonography) commenced taking enrolments; 15 students enrolled and commenced in 2024. I am further advised of the following information from the Oct-Dec quarter: - 16 additional oral therapy students enrolled for 2024 compared to 2023. There were 34 additional enrolments in perioperative practice for 2024 compared to 2023. - 60 additional pharmacy prescriber places were confirmed for the 2024 academic year across University of Auckland and University of Otago. - Auckland University of Technology agreed to train 60 anaesthetic technicians per semester, subject to clinical placements being available, and support for the roll out of distance learning programmes. I am also advised that enrolment data is held by tertiary education organisations, not Health New Zealand.