Progress achieved on Anaesthetics issues

5 April 2007

Progress achieved on Anaesthetics issues

Joint statement from:
Margot Mains (chief executive officer), and
Assoc Prof Sandy Garden (clinical director, Anaesthesia and Pain Management)

A plan has been agreed on which allows significant progress to resolve a range of staffing concerns raised by staff from the Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Management.

“We’ve moved the collaboration with clinicians up a gear over the last month, and we’ve now agreed on a significant amount of additional staffing,” C&C DHB chief executive Margot Mains said today.

The additional staffing announced today includes:
 A decision to recruit additional Anaesthetic Registrars – to enable the department to provide a 24/7 coverage for obstetrics and acute services
 Agreement to create 3.5 new positions for Specialist Anaesthetists

“The extra staff will allow us to make better use of our surgical theatres - meaning that we can do more elective surgery for more patients and will have fewer cancellations. We’re all in agreement on those goals, and will work in close cooperation to make them happen.

“Today’s announcement also means we’ve now taken steps to address all of the issues raised by the College of Anaesthetists in their last accreditation inspection.

“The next step is to find people to fill these new roles. I’m pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Malcolm Futter, a well-respected senior anaesthetist from Auckland as an interim clinical director, while we recruit a replacement for Associate Professor Garden who resigned from that role recently,” Margot Mains said.

Dr Futter has previously held senior clinical leadership roles in Auckland, as well as roles within the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists. “With Malcolm’s skill mix we are confident that he will be able to oversee a continuation of the work begun by Associate Professor Garden over the past year,” Margot Mains said.

Sandy Garden said today, “I have every confidence in Malcolm, and I look forward to working with him during his tenure here”.

Assoc Prof Garden says the additional resourcing announced today has the potential to make a significant difference, and he looks forward to entering an era with improved collaboration between senior management and clinicians.

Margot Mains says one of the big positives which emerged over the past month has been the management working closely with clinical staff in the department. “It’s clear that we are seeking the same things, and that progress made in the past month shows how much can be achieved by working closely together,” Margot Mains said.

ENDS

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