Media release from Medical Council

International medical graduates (IMGs) arriving in New Zealand will now receive improved on the job support to help them settle into the New Zealand health care system.

The Medical Council will be recognising services that have quality systems in place to ensure doctors are well supported and supervised when they begin medical practice in New Zealand.  These services will be recognised as approved practice settings (APS).

Council chairperson, Dr John Adams said today, "The new framework is intended to provide improved and more focused supervision for IMGs to ensure their safe and supported integration into the New Zealand workforce.

"The bottom line is that the APS is designed to ensure patient health and safety, whilst at the same time offer IMGs structured support and guidance when beginning medical practice in New Zealand," said Dr Adams.

"We believe the APS offers IMGs who are new to New Zealand improved support from their colleagues and senior doctors. It will encourage a team approach to supervision, and will encourage greater collaboration across District Health Boards, with recognition of services that span more than one site and regional models of service delivery."

Dr Adams says there is an awareness that many doctors new to New Zealand are not familiar with the New Zealand health system and that it takes time to acquire the knowledge of how to work here.

"The APS offers IMGs an induction, orientation, credentialling and supervision process that meet Council's best practice guidelines. This includes a mandatory programme, including cultural competence and an understanding of the New Zealand health system," said Dr Adams.

Accreditation of a service such as a hospital department as an APS will provide assurance to the public that clinical governance, quality and patient safety are priorities for the service and that systems are in place to ensure high standards of practice are maintained.