increase font size
Hauora Taiwhenua chief executive Dr Grant Davidson says more GPs will have a measurable impact on the health of New Zealanders.
Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network is welcoming the Government’s response to a shortage of GP’s across the country – but especially in rural areas – through new funding initiatives.
Developed by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners and set to be launched in 2023, the three initiatives will include: increased salaries for first year GP registrars; more funded teaching time for specialist GPs to dedicate to first year registrars; and GPs hosting post graduate doctors doing community attachments will receive a weekly hosting fee.
The New Zealand Rural General Practice Network (NZRGPN) says these initiatives will add a much-needed boost to attracting medical graduates to train as specialist GPs by encouraging rural practices to host junior doctors in their communities.
“The future of a career in general practice is beginning to look more attractive.”
With a salary increase of roughly 20% for RNZCGP registrars expected to affect up to 140 new registrars in 2023, there is now also funding of $300 per week for each practice hosting a community-based clinical attachment for new interns.
Hauora Taiwhenua chief executive Dr Grant Davidson says, while it’s a good first step to achieving parity with registrars in other health professions, wider system-based changes are needed if we are to see a greater number of GPs choosing to work in rural communities.
Research conducted by the RNZCGP, and first published in a 2021 workforce report, has shown that New Zealand currently has 74 GPs for every 100,000 people. This already low number is estimated to fall further to 70 per 100,000 by 2031.
“Adding more GPs will have a measurable impact on the health of New Zealanders; 10 more GPs per 100,000 people means about 30 people wouldn’t die from cancer, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases,” the report says.
It also adds that more GPs would save the economy $139.6 million each year.
“There needs to be more positions available in medical schools, with a good proportion of these targeted at students interested in rural general practice,” Davidson says.
“At the same time, there should be an immediate review of rural primary care funding so that workers can enjoy pay, work conditions, and lifestyles that will make rural health a highly regarded and soughtafter career, which it once was.”
OPINION: This year's National Rural Health Conference, being held in Wellington, has attracted a record number of interested rural health experts passionate about improving equity for rural communities in all ares of health and wellbeing.
Relocation funding is now available through Te Whatu Ora to support the recruitment of international general practitioners applying to work in rural primary care practices.
The Kaikōura community and Takahanga Marae recently welcomed 14 tertiary health students from around NZ for a noho marae (overnight visit).
Thirteen New Zealand tertiary students have travelled across the country for Hauora Taiwhenua's (Rural Health Network) first rural school visits programme of 2023.
Another kick in the guts for rural nurses.
'A lot of interest and positive responses' appears to be the way farmers are viewing the Government's initiative to hold a series of woolshed meetings around the country.
A Southland farming leader wants the regional council to delay a proposed regional rates hike, much of which is intended to fund flood protection works.
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) says access to personal banking services in rural communities is fundamental to promoting outcomes that benefit Kiwi consumers.
A group set up to boost education and promotion of wool says it has made positive strides during the first year of its three-year strategy.
Meat processor ANZCO Foods says despite a challenging business environment, it has posted a net profit before tax of $61 million for 2023.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
