District Health Boards welcome signing of Accord

District Health Boards welcome signing of Accord

District Health Boards say the Effective Implementation Accord signed today is an important part of addressing staffing and workforce issues at the heart of the current negotiations with the New Zealand Nurses Organisation.
The Accord was signed at Parliament this morning by DHBs, the NZNO and the Ministry of Health and spokesperson Jim Green says it’s significant that it was witnessed by Health Minister Dr David Clark.

“The Accord spells out how we’ll work together to ensure safe staffing levels for nurses and midwives.

“Most importantly, it sets out the reporting and review process to ensure the Accord stays on track – something that will be monitored by the Ministry and overseen by the Minister.

“We want to give NZNO and its members the confidence that DHBs will deliver on commitments about staffing and resourcing so nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants can provide the care required.”

Mr Green says while the revised offer now being considered by NZNO members provides $38 million for immediate recruitment, the Accord sets out a wider process for making sure there are enough people to deliver patient care.

“DHBs have been inconsistent in their approach to this part of workforce planning, and the Accord is designed to give certainty and create accountability for addressing the key issue of safe staffing and workloads.

“This is key to the offer that will also provide significant pay rises, with the Accord as part of a wider in initiative to attract, develop and retain our vital nurses and midwives in their careers,” says Mr Green.

ENDS

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