Loss of Specialists Highlights Doctor Crisis

Loss of Cancer Specialists Highlights Senior Doctor Workforce Crisis

“The reported loss of cancer specialists highlights the wider senior doctor workforce crisis in New Zealand public hospitals,” said Mr Ian Powell, Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, today.

“Overwork, lack of resources to do the job, and poor remuneration by international standards seriously contributes to both the loss of cancer specialists and the serious difficulties in replacing them.”

“While New Zealand salary scales remain at least 35% behind Australia, our public hospitals will continue to lose specialists to Australia and the private sector. While we remain uncompetitive with Australia, we continue to struggle to replace them.”

“Cancer specialist shortages are typical of the workforce crisis facing most senior doctors in public hospitals. This must be addressed with urgency. Few things are more obvious than patients need doctors” concluded Mr Powell.

ENDS

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