Many more doctors and nurses
Jonathan Coleman announced:
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says a record number of doctors and nurses are working in DHBs across the country.
“Our dedicated health workforce is making a difference to the lives of New Zealanders. More doctors and nurses in our DHBs means faster treatment and better experiences for patients and their families,” says Dr Coleman.
As of 31 March 2017, there were almost 8,200 doctor full-time-equivalents and nearly 23,000 nurse full-time equivalents employed by DHBs – that’s over 2,250 more doctors and over 4,640 more nurses compared to 2008.
In total the number of doctors and nurses working in DHBs across the country has increased by over 6,900 since 2008 – an increase of over 28 per cent.
This includes over 1,220 more senior doctors, an increase of almost 45 per cent, and over 1,210 more senior nurses, an increase of over 45 per cent.
So let’s put this into context.
From 2008 to 2017 the NZ population grew 8%. So to compare:
- Population growth 8%
- 38% more doctors
- 25% more nurses
- 45% more senior doctors
- 45% more senior nurses
Remember this when Labour lie and saying funding has been cut.