Nurse action catalyst for radical health system changes

Nurse action catalyst for radical health system changes

Tomorrow marks the first national industrial action taken by nurses in nearly 30 years, an act that every New Zealander must reckon with, says a medical expert.

Managing director of SEQURE Health Vinod Govind supports nurses’ bravery to stick to their guns and reject District Health Boards’ (DHBs) latest offer.

“They are our most valuable resources, they are a crucial cog in our public health system, ensuring continuity of quality standard care in our country,” he says.

“We need to support them.”

In light of his support, he is conscious of DHBs’ current financial positions, too.

“If they could do more, I’m sure they would do more. We can’t just correct nine years of underfunding in one budget.”

What we mustn’t forget about is the patients, Mr Govind says, many of whom will be anxious about strikes taking place starting Thursday throughout the country.

Growing incidences of chronic diseases such as cancer, tumours, orthopaedic diseases, increasing geriatric population and excessive hospitalisations requires greater efforts from DHBs to increase productivity to meet health targets.

“Patients need to be seen in a timely manner – that’s what we’re here for,” Mr Govind says.

“It’s not their fault surgeries are being rescheduling, and DHBs are going to need every helping hand they can to get back on track.”

SEQURE Health can ‘in-source’ specialist medical staff, including nurses, to relieve the pressures on DHBs, patients and hospital staff.

These extra resources can work onsite at hospitals using the hospital’s own facilities to boost hospital capacity, whether that be after hours or over weekends.

“Reorganising the health service will not only restore the public’s faith in DHBs’ ability to deliver quality care but also ensures one of the country’s hardest working professions are well-resourced to meet hospitals’ ever-growing health targets.”

ENDS

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