22 September 2004
“Neonatal Overcrowding Highlights Serious Need For Effective Workforce Planning”
“The reported overcrowding of neonatal units highlights the serious need for effective workforce planning for all
public hospital and related services,” said Mr Ian Powell, Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical
Specialists, today.
“Workforce shortages and excessive workplace pressure and stress imposed on doctors and nurses are features of the
problems facing most health services, including neonatal units.”
“The Ministry of Health and district health boards are failing to provide leadership over effective workforce planning
and recruitment strategies to address the serious problems which patients, doctors and nurses face daily.”
“We have plenty of analysis, ‘feel good’ reports and ‘lines on paper’ but we lack effective leadership about what
practical measures are necessary to deal with the increasingly serious problem which is steadily escalating towards a
crisis,” concluded Mr Powell.
ENDS