Return to regionalised health system will ease staff shortages, Health Minister says

9 Aug 2024

RNZ

A return to a more regionalised health system will ease the dire staffing problems facing Northland’s rural hospitals, Health Minister Shane Reti says.

Dr Reti was in the north on Friday to visit a newly built aged care centre and a new medical imaging clinic, both in Kerikeri, but his visit came against the backdrop of a staffing crisis in the region’s rural hospitals.

Dargaville Hospital made national headlines earlier this month when it was no longer able to find enough doctors to fill its rosters, leaving a telehealth business – which uses a remote doctor to see patients via an internet video call – to fill the gap.

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HEALTH SERVICES AND SYSTEMS

Covering developments in the provision, funding and organisation of health care services.

EQUITY

Exploring the impacts of the health system on minorities within the population, notably including Māori, Pacifica, Asians and LGBTQI.

DRUGS, DEVICE AND DIAGNOSTICS

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PUBLIC HEALTH

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DIGITAL HEALTH

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TE TIRITI

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