Scholarships for practices serving higher need communities
Hon Tony Ryall
Minister of Health
26 January 2014
Media Statement
48 nurse scholarships for GP
practices serving higher need
communities
Health Minister Tony Ryall
today announced 48 graduate nurses will receive a
scholarship to work in general practices in some of New
Zealand’s higher need communities.
“There has
been a lot of interest in the scholarships from both the
nurse graduates and general practices. As a result, the
original plan for 30 scholarships has been increased to
48,” says Mr Ryall.
Last September Mr Ryall
announced the government will invest an extra $16 million
over four years to support Very Low Cost Access (VLCA)
practices. This included a one-off $1.5 million scholarship
fund for 30 graduate nurses.
“We want even more
new graduate nurses working in our higher need communities
and are increasing the scholarship fund to $2.4
million.
“Over half of the graduate nurses have
already been appointed and recruitment is well underway for
the other positions.
“The graduate nurses will
work in communities including Kaikohe, Waitakere, Mangere,
Murupara, Kawerau, Wairoa, Wanganui and
Aranui.”
“A strong primary health care system
is central to improving the health of New
Zealanders.
“These 48 graduate nurses will work
alongside GPs, practice nurses and other members of the
general practice team delivering care to communities with
the greatest need.
“This government is committed
to providing more New Zealanders with affordable general
practice care,” says Mr Ryall.
Funding for the
VLCA scheme has increased by more than 85 per cent in the
past six years – from $27 million in 2007/08 to $50
million this financial
year.
ENDS