‘Revolutionary’ PPP may help with health’s ‘nightmare’

‘Revolutionary’ PPP may help with health’s ‘nightmare’

New Zealand’s newfound surgical “nightmare” could easily be fixed if District Health Boards are willing to invest in in-sourcing a competent workforce, says one medical expert.

Stuff revealed that Auckland City Hospital lacks the appropriate number of anaesthetic technicians, with a nationwide shortage also affecting elective surgeries.

But managing director of SEQURE Health, Vinod Govind, believes while the hospital continues to train and recruit technicians, there are sufficient technicians throughout the country willing to help.

“We have at our fingertips a public and private, highly skilled, experienced, ‘portable work force’ who can be deployed to handle a number of elective surgeries.

“So, what the public health sector needs right now is to counter the myriad of operational obstacles by ensuring New Zealanders get the high-quality and efficient medical services they deserve.”

Demand for elective services, including surgery, is expected to continue growing, Mr Govind says.

Average waiting times for elective surgeries are now 304 days – more than 11 weeks longer than they were in 2013 yet the capacity to keep up isn’t matching population growth, he says.

“In-sourcing anaesthetic technicians, as well as other scarce resources to absorb increased demand, would not only help Auckland City Hospital complete procedures, but lessen the stress currently experienced by overloaded staff members.

“We can aid in locating a number of technicians – reorganising the hospital’s services will not only restore the residents’ faith in Auckland DHB’s ability to deliver quality care but also ensures its staff are well-resourced to meet its ever-increasing demand.”

Mr Govind understands the financial constraints ADHB is placed under but believes a public-private partnership would be beneficial, even if only as a temporary solution.

“The public health system needs a revolutionary approach, thanks to our ever-growing healthcare challenges. And a partnership is what we need right now.”

ENDS

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