Encouraging number of junior doctors wanting to work in Chch

March 25, 2011

The September 4 and February 22 Canterbury earthquakes are not enough to discourage junior doctors from coming to the region.

Canterbury District Health Board is reporting a significantly higher number of applications for this year’s intake of junior doctors for positions starting in August.

Christchurch Hospital Resident Medical Officers’ (RMOs) Unit has received 205 applicants for the 40 positions available.

RMO Unit Manager Karen Schaab says the number is higher than previous years.

“It is very encouraging given what the region has been through in the last six months, Karen says.

Contrary to recent reports of 50 junior doctors leaving as a result of the recent quakes, resignations for this year are relatively consistent with the same period last year, she says.

“Day-to-day conversations with RMOs do not give us the impression that there are ‘50’ about to leave. In fact I have received requests for contract extensions from current staff due to finish in August.”

The RMO Unit has also received many emails of support from British doctors who are to start working for the Canterbury DHB in August, confirming that they fully intend to commence as planned, she says.

“I have not received any withdrawals from people who have already accepted offers for later in the year.”

British junior doctors Richard Clinghan and his fiancée Wendy McBurnie returned to Scotland on Friday to be married but have said they intend to return to Canterbury and also hope to seek New Zealand residency.

Dr Clinghan has said that while the quake has been a tough time for medical staff, the experience would make them better doctors.

ENDS

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