“Scorecard Reveals Shameful Situation For Senior Doctors’ Professional Education And Development”
“A scorecard grading the commitment of district health boards for professional development and education reveals a
shameful situation for senior doctors employed in district health boards,” said Mr Ian Powell, Executive Director of the
Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, today.
Mr Powell was referring to an analysis of secondment and sabbatical provisions published in the latest issue of
Association’s quarterly publication, The Specialist. www.asms.org.nz “Secondment and sabbatical are vital parts of professional development and education especially given New Zealand’s
relative geographic isolation.
They are essential for senior doctors in order to maintain and improve quality standards of patient care. But sadly the
performance of health bosses in providing and supporting these essential requirements for senior doctors is shoddy.”
“Of the 21 district health boards, none receive an A grade while only one receives a B grade. Five receive a mediocre C
grade, eight receive a poor D grade, and four receive a pathetic E grade leaving three receiving a disgraceful F grade.”
“If health bosses are serious about addressing New Zealand’s serious senior doctor recruitment and retention problem
then providing good quality professional development and education opportunities are an essential first step,” concluded
Mr Powell.
DHB GRADING: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION
Whanganui B
Wairarapa C
Hutt Valley C
Nelson Marlborough C
South Canterbury C
Southland C
Waitemata D
Counties Manukau D
Bay of Plenty D
Tairawhiti D
Taranaki D
Capital & Coast D
West Coast D
Otago D
Northland E
Auckland E
MidCentral E
Canterbury E
Waikato F
Lakes F
Hawkes Bay F