12835 (2026). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister of Health

Written Question

Published date: 22 Apr 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	12835 (2026)
Question asked:	07 Apr 2026
Member asking:	Debbie Ngarewa-Packer
Portfolio:	Minister of Health
Minister replying:	Hon Simeon Brown
Answer received:	18 Apr 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_12835_2026
Document guid:	f610eb16-80b9-4e71-89ce-72b0fc7dc07b

12835 (2026). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister of Health: What steps, if any, are being taken to recruit gastroenterologists to Palmerston North Hospital?

Hon Simeon Brown: I am advised that MidCentral district is continuing recruitment efforts for permanent gastroenterologists, using the resources of the national recruitment team. A national gastroenterology awareness campaign in the UK and US is underway and will prioritise MidCentral as a location for specialists who express an interest in relocating. There is also ongoing engagement with a locum agency based in the United States of America to explore temporary arrangements.