Media release from Health Workforce New Zealand

Health Workforce New Zealand (HWNZ) has today published its inaugural annual plan.

It sets out a range of initiatives scheduled for the coming year as part of its remit of providing national leadership and co-ordination of workforce training and development across the health and disability sector.

The high level annual plan for 2010/11 builds on existing work in areas such as development of the junior doctor workforce and sets out future priorities such as increasing staffing capacity and exploring new ways of working in surgical specialities and primary care.

Chair of HWNZ, Professor Des Gorman said: 'We need to ensure that planning for our future health workforce is fully integrated with planning and decision-making for current and future health services, so we have the right number and mix of high quality staff to meet the needs of patients and the public.'

'HWNZ's strategy is to work in partnership with health professional bodies and providers so that we are in touch with the changing needs and demands of our front line services, keeping pace with innovation and creating the best possible career opportunities for our people.'

The plan is available on the HWNZ website at www.healthworkforce.govt.nz