73729 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

73729 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What progress, if any, has occurred to address the recommendation that “a professional committee to provide a means to raise, address and resolve workplace relationships at the SMO level, separate from the existing hospital-wide Speaking Up For Safety programme, be established”, as contained in the report on Te Whatu Ora Mid Central’s workplace culture prepared by Jonathan Black, as at 12 November 2024?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised that MidCentral is currently piloting the Respect at Work programme, which will replace Speaking Up for Safety. It is intended this will become BAU from February 2025. SMO engagement in the pilot is proposed as: • Introduction to the pilot and programme, including its benefits compared with Speaking Up for Safety • A Growing Psychological Safety workshop • An Understanding Incivility workshop • An information session on formal processes for escalations and severe situations. I am further advised that there is ongoing engagement with ASMS on this work to ensure appropriate engagement and acceptance. The intent is to strengthen existing leadership structures and roles to address early emerging issues of conflict or disagreement.