Nearly 400 Doctors Call For Caution And Care In Health Workforce Reform

The New Zealand Women in Medicine (NZWIM) Charitable Trust is urging the Government to rethink aspects of its proposed health workforce regulation reforms, warning that patient safety, professional standards, and cultural obligations must not be compromised.

NZWIM, the country’s only pan-professional medical organisation which represents women working across all stages and fields of medicine, submitted detailed feedback on the Ministry of Health’s "Putting Patients First" consultation released in March 2025.

While NZWIM supports efforts to streamline regulatory processes, it stresses that reform must be part of a wider strategy to address workforce shortages, staff wellbeing, and the sustainability of healthcare services.

“We agree there are opportunities for improvement, but any regulatory change must prioritise patient safety, uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations, and maintain strong professional standards," says Dr Orna McGinn, Chair of NZWIM. "Changes alone won’t fix workforce shortages, and deregulation could put patient care at risk."

Key concerns raised by NZWIM include:

The lack of evidence underpinning proposed changes and the document’s framing, which appears to favour deregulation without considering the risks.

The undermining of cultural safety training, despite its vital role in providing effective, equitable healthcare in Aotearoa.

Leading and biased survey questions that limit meaningful consultation and undermine public trust.

Premature government announcements that suggest decisions have been made before the consultation process has properly concluded.

NZWIM recommends a collaborative approach to future reforms, aligned with the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022, to create a unified regulatory framework that strengthens public safety, centres equity, and honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

© Scoop Media