Health – NZSA Support for NZ Women in Medicine letter to PM

The survey conducted by New Zealand Women in Medicine Charitable Trust reveals the
desperate conditions evident in both primary and secondary health care. The short staffing many are working with, low morale and feelings of hopelessness that are affecting all disciplines in medicine and allied health.

NZSA President Dr Sheila Hart, who works at Wellington Hospital, says the findings of the
survey accurately reflect what is going on in her department and hospital.

“Although I am optimistic of the intentions of the health reforms it is hard to see a short-term solution to the workforce crisis we are facing.” 

Dr Hart continues “patients are not getting the care they should, staff are overworked, stressed, and suffering moral injury due to the inability to provide the best timely care for their patients and this survey clearly demonstrates the current situation.”

NZSA released a statement earlier this year calling for action on workforce planning.

Immediate and drastic action is required to recruit, train, and keep staff in NZ if we are to
provide the medical care that all kiwis deserve.

About the NZSA:

The NZSA is a professional medical education society which represents over 750
anaesthetists in Aotearoa New Zealand. Our key roles are advocacy, facilitating and
promoting education, providing advocacy for their support and wellbeing and supporting
optimal care of their patients nationwide.
www.anaesthesiasociety.org.nz