Health New Zealand spent $85 million more on contractors and consultants in this financial year, compared to last. 

The health agency is putting the increase down to a global shortage of health workers. Health Minister Shane Reti says contract hires are needed to fill full-time workforce gaps. 

Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, Sarah Dalton tells Ryan Bridge the 2023 Workforce Plan identified 1700 doctors missing from the system. 

“This health system continues to rely too heavily on locums to run hospitals. It means staffing remains fragile, and it means it’s really expensive.” 

LISTEN ABOVE