Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman
Minister of Health
18 May 2016
Over 880 doctors & nurses in the Hutt Valley
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says a record number of doctors and nurses are taking care of patients in Hutt Valley
DHB.
“Our dedicated health workforce is making a difference to the lives of patients in the Hutt Valley. More doctors and
nurses means faster treatment and better experiences for patients and their families,” says Dr Coleman.
As of 31 March 2016 there were over 230 doctor full-time equivalents and 650 nurse full-time equivalents employed by
Hutt Valley DHB. That’s over 50 more doctors and over 60 more nurses compared to 2008.
Nationally, there were over 7,880 doctor full-time equivalents and 22,500 nurse full-time equivalents employed by DHBs.
The number of doctors and nurses working in our public health system has increased by over 6,100 since 2008, an increase
of 25 per cent.
This includes around 1,100 more senior doctors, an increase of 36 per cent, and almost 1,100 more senior nurses, an
increase of 40 per cent.
“New Zealanders need a health workforce that is well equipped to handle current and future demands,” says Dr Coleman.
“In February I released the Health of the Health Workforce report which outlined the challenges facing the sector, such
as an ageing workforce and staffing rural positions.
“Work programmes to help address these issues continue. This includes the Voluntary Bonding Scheme which encourages
health practitioners to practise in specialties and regions that are traditionally difficult to staff.”
The health workforce is supported by the extra $400 million being invested into the sector this year, taking the health
budget to a record $15.9 billion.
A copy of the latest health workforce report is available on the Ministry of Health’s website, www.health.govt.nz.
ends