37184 (2024). Hon Barbara Edmonds to the Minister of Health

37184 (2024). Hon Barbara Edmonds to the Minister of Health: Will the Minister guarantee that Health New Zealand’s work to reduce Kenepuru Hospital after-hours A & M clinic’s reliance on contractors will not result in a reduction of the number of doctors assigned to the clinic, if not, why not?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised over the past three years Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora has been working to reduce the Kenepuru Hospital After-hours A&M clinic’s reliance on contractors. This has included increasing the number of Senior Medical Officers (SMO) and adding a Resident Medical Officer, Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Practitioner interns to the clinic workforce. This has been carried out in a phased manner to ensure appropriate clinical supervision and a sustainable balance of different health professionals. Due to ongoing workforce challenges, further changes to staffing configuration and recruitment will take time. However, Health NZ aims to have a further two SMOs joining the clinic's roster in the coming months, which will further reduce outsourcing needs.