Health NZ spend on locum doctors hits a new high, at $220 million
Health NZ spending on temporary locum doctors has reached a record $220 million, prompting concerns about the sustainability of the current staffing model. While the agency aims to reduce these costs, critics argue that the reliance on temporary staff negatively impacts patient continuity and long-term departmental planning.
Why it matters
Rising healthcare costs and staffing shortages are critical issues for public health systems, affecting both fiscal stability and the quality of patient care.
The amount of money spent on temporary doctors to plug gaps in the health system has hit a new high, topping $200 million for the third year in a row.
Health NZ says it's working hard to recruit permanent specialists and has even cut the budget for locums for the next financial year.
But, others in the health sector say more drastic action is needed to bring the spend under control and incentivise doctors to stay on our shores.
Dr James Irwin recently resigned as the last full-time permanent gastro specialist at Palmerston North Hospital , a service now staffed by locums and fill-ins from other districts.
He's seen the positive and negative side of using locums.
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