3019 (2025). Hon Jo Luxton to the Minister of Health

3019 (2025). Hon Jo Luxton to the Minister of Health: As at January 4, what, if any, is the proportion of Senior Medical Officers (SMOs) at Whakatāne Hospital’s Obstetrics and Gynaecology Service who are trained in New Zealand, and if any foreign-trained SMOs are currently employed, what, if any, steps have been taken to ensure their successful integration into the local community and familiarization with the specific needs of the Whakatāne area?

Hon Simeon Brown: Our Government is focused on delivering timely, quality healthcare for all New Zealanders. I am advised that one Senior Medical Officer and the long-term locum working in Whakatane were New Zealand-trained. The remaining three SMOs were trained in the United States. I am further advised that staff underwent orientation.