The reliance on locum doctors in New Zealand's healthcare system has reached an all-time high, with Health NZ spending a staggering $220 million on temporary medical professionals in the latest financial year. This figure, which has been on the rise for three consecutive years, highlights a critical issue within the healthcare sector.
In this article, we delve into the reasons behind this increasing trend, the challenges it presents, and the potential solutions being proposed to address this growing concern.
The Rise of Locum Doctors
The use of locums, or temporary doctors, is not a new phenomenon in healthcare. However, the extent to which they are now relied upon is cause for concern. Dr. James Irwin, the former full-time gastro specialist at Palmerston North Hospital, has witnessed the positive and negative aspects of this practice firsthand.
"Locums can be a great temporary solution when a department is fully staffed, but when their use becomes more long-term, it can lead to dissatisfaction and challenges in continuity of care," Irwin explains.
This shift from a short-term fix to a more permanent arrangement has had a significant impact on both doctors and patients.
The Impact on Doctors and Patients
For doctors like Irwin, the constant change in colleagues and the lack of long-term planning can be frustrating. "You're left dealing with chronic disease management and departmental planning without the support of a full team," he says.
This transactional model of healthcare, where locums are brought in for specific periods, can also affect patient care. Patients may not receive the same level of continuity and personalized attention, especially when their doctors are constantly changing.
Addressing the Issue
Health NZ is aware of the challenges and is taking steps to address the issue. Robyn Shearer, the national director of people, culture, health, and safety, acknowledges the global challenge of recruiting doctors and the need for a more strategic approach.
"We're actively recruiting overseas and working with medical schools to secure more doctors long-term. Locums play a vital role in maintaining continuity, but we need to find a balance and reduce our reliance on them," Shearer explains.
Potential Solutions
One proposed solution is to incentivize doctors to stay in New Zealand by offering attractive packages and promoting the country as a great destination to work and live. Health NZ has already seen some success with this approach, attracting doctors from America to the South Island.
Another idea, suggested by Malcolm Mulholland of Patient Voice Aotearoa, is to bond New Zealand's best and brightest medical graduates to hard-to-staff areas, potentially offering to cover their student loans as an incentive.
The Minister's Intervention
Health Minister Simeon Brown has also stepped in, writing to Health NZ's chairperson to express his expectation that the organization move away from depending on locums. His priority is to build a stronger, more stable workforce with more permanent staff delivering care across the country.
Conclusion
The reliance on locum doctors in New Zealand's healthcare system is a complex issue with far-reaching implications. While locums play a vital role in maintaining continuity of care, the long-term goal must be to establish a more stable and permanent medical workforce. This will require a multi-faceted approach, including strategic recruitment, attractive incentives, and a shift in the transactional model of healthcare. Only then can New Zealand ensure a sustainable and high-quality healthcare system for its citizens.
