Over 680 doctors & nurses in Taranaki DHB

Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman

Minister of Health

9 May 2017

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says a record number of doctors and nurses are taking care of patients in Taranaki DHB.

“Our dedicated health workforce is making a difference to the lives of patients in Taranaki. More doctors and nurses means faster treatment and better experiences for patients and their families,” says Dr Coleman.

As of 31 March 2017 there were over 160 doctor full-time equivalents and over 510 nurse full-time equivalents employed by Taranaki DHB. That’s over 40 more doctors and over 60 more nurses compared to 2008.

Nationally, there were almost 8,200 doctor full-time equivalents and nearly 23,000 nurse full-time equivalents employed by DHBs.

The number of doctors and nurses working in our public health system has increased by over 6,900 since 2008, an increase of over 28 per cent.

This includes over 1,220 more senior doctors, an increase of almost 45 per cent, and over 1,210 more senior nurses, an increase of over 45 per cent.

“Recently I welcomed the Health and Independence report which shows that overall, the health and disability system performs well for most New Zealanders.

“However, the report outlines the challenges facing the sector, such as an ageing population.

“The New Zealand Health Strategy positions the health sector to respond to the changing and ageing nature of our population and works to ensure that the health workforce is well equipped to handle current and future demands.

The health workforce is supported by the extra $568 million being invested into the health sector this year - the biggest single increase in seven years - taking the health budget to a record $16.1 billion in 2016/17.”

A copy of the latest health workforce report is available on the Ministry of Health’s website, www.health.govt.nz.

Media contact: Shannon Stewart 027 426 6662

                         

Last updated: Wednesday, May 10, 2017