Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
50 new senior doctors and extra specialist nurses are to be employed by Health New Zealand at a cost of $30 million.
The Health Minister Shane Reti has just announced the funding, saying it will help fill critical workforce gaps particularly in regional or provincial hospitals.
He says the senior doctors will help reduce wait times and support vulnerable specialties like dermatology.
The extra specialist nurses are intended to help critical shortages in rural areas and particular specialties, such as mental health, maternity and critical care.
Meanwhile, Health New Zealand has begun consulting on cutting jobs in the National Public Health Service and data and digital teams.
Kathryn speaks with Sarah Dalton, Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists.
