Sustainability of NZ Workforce

Press release 21 June 2010

Dr Nigel Waters President of the New Zealand Society of Anaesthetists (NZSA) announced today, "The New Zealand Society of Anaesthetists (NZSA) is working with Health Workforce New Zealand over the issue of sustainability of the anaesthesia workforce in New Zealand.”

“It is expected that demand for healthcare in New Zealand will rise over the coming decade and beyond. The exact impact this will have on the ability of the healthcare workforce to cope is unknown.  Further detailed study of the issue is underway by a working group formed by the NZSA and it is expected a number of recommendations on the best way forward will result from this”, stated Dr Waters.

“The issue of healthcare workforce sustainability is a global one; however New Zealand will need to find solutions that are best for our particular requirements. Anaesthetists are involved not only in intra-operative care of patients but also in the pre-operative and post-operative setting. The essential challenge is going to be one of how to increase or maintain theatre productivity with finite economic and manpower resources. It is likely that other healthcare groups will also engage with Health Workforce New Zealand over this issue in due course”, said Dr Waters.

Media enquiries may be directed to:
Dr Nigel Waters President NZSA 021 151 5852
Philippa Bascand Chief Executive NZSA 021 518 229