The PSA is calling Health NZ’s decision to hire 380 new
nurses nationwide a sign of a panicking government, not a
meaningful solution to the chronic underfunding across
Aotearoa’s public healthcare system.
“Although
health workers will welcome any new hires into their
massively overstretched teams, 380 nurses nationwide is a
drop in the bucket when it comes to current vacancies,”
Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi
national secretary, Fleur Fitzsimons, says.
“We know,
for example, that there are around 70 vacancies just in the
Counties Manakau district in South Auckland. There are 35
vacancies at the secure unit of Mason Clinic, also in
Auckland.
“Allied health and administration teams
across the country are carrying massive vacancies. There are
dozens of data and digital roles still unfilled
everywhere.
“All of these vacancies must be filled for
New Zealand to have the fully functional public healthcare
system we all want and deserve.
“The PSA and other
health unions have been ringing alarm bells about widespread
vacancies causing stress, burnout and a poorer level of care
for years now.
“Frankly, this announcement is the sign
of a government and health minister panicking 43 days out
from an election, when they will be held to account by New
Zealanders for running our health system into the
ground.”
The Public Service
Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa
New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and
supporting more than 95,000 workers across central
government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health
boards and community
groups.
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