40709 (2025). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister of Health

40709 (2025). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister of Health: What assessments, if any, has the Government made on the impact of nurse staffing shortages on patient safety, and how, if at all, are nursing unions involved in those assessments?

Hon Simeon Brown: Health New Zealand is responsible for assessing matters relating to patient safety. As part of our Government's focus on putting patients first and ensuring all New Zealanders have access to timely, quality healthcare, Health New Zealand has employed over 2,100 more nurses since 2023. In addition to this, I have announced a number of initiatives to strengthen our frontline workforce. I refer the Member to my press releases: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/healthcare-boost-means-seeing-gp-faster https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/greater-role-nurses-primary-care https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/putting-patient-first