50385 (2024). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister of Health

Written Question

Published date: 28 Aug 2024

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	50385 (2024)
Question asked:	15 Aug 2024
Member asking:	Debbie Ngarewa-Packer
Portfolio:	Minister of Health
Minister replying:	Hon Dr Shane Reti
Answer received:	25 Aug 2024
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_50385_2024
Document guid:	8382c10d-9a79-4de3-bdfb-55d10b366d0c

50385 (2024). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister of Health: Is there a healthcare workforce shortage in Aotearoa, if so, what steps, if any, is the Minister taking to address this?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: There is a worldwide shortage of health professionals, and New Zealand is no exception. Staff shortages are a pressing challenge for our healthcare system and while I am encouraged by the work that is underway, more remains to be done. Health New Zealand is developing a Health Workforce Plan for 2024 – 2027. The plan will support the workforce components of the NZ Health Plan | Te Pae Waenga; communicate to the workforce and the wider health sector the actions Health NZ is taking to strengthen the health workforce and focus workforce investments and priorities to maximise impact and return on investment.