summarised by The Centrist
It’s been about a year since New Zealand’s health system said goodbye to DHBs with Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ) and Te Aka Whai Ora (the Māori Health Authority) taking their place.
Various healthcare professionals, some anonymous, give their take on how the system is living up to expectation.
There’s arguments that prioritising managerial positions has led to neglect of issues like pay, working conditions, and safe staffing. There’s concern over a lack of skilled staff and adequate facilities. This is leading to prolonged wait times and an increase in incidents of violence towards healthcare workers.
There is a growing impatience for tangible improvements on the ground and calls to move from rhetoric to action.
Despite concerns and dissatisfaction, there is still hope among some. They acknowledge the challenges but emphasise the ability of health sector leaders to affect positive change.
