Cancer Specialists Shortages Highlight Wider Crisis

Cancer Specialists Shortages Highlight Wider Public Hospital Crisis

"The reported shortage of cancer specialists in the lower North Island highlights the wider specialist workforce crisis in public hospitals," said Mr Ian Powell, Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, today.

'The problem is not just losing specialists but the fact that it is so difficult. Even when we are lucky enough to replace them, it takes so long often requiring several attempts."

"Most public hospitals, both big and small, suffer serious senior doctor shortages in many specialties, not just cancer. New Zealand is losing too many of the younger doctors we train so well overseas, losing too many of our current public hospital senior doctors overseas, and struggling to recruit in a very tight and internationally competitive market. Public hospitals are trapped in a vice-like grip."

"Many important government objectives depend on public hospitals having enough specialists in public hospitals to achieve them. They won't be genuinely achieved until we are able to retain and recruit more."

"Unfortunately public hospital salaries and other conditions are simply too low to overcome this specialist workforce crisis," concluded Mr Powell.
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