Media release from Southland DHB

Southland Hospital's ongoing recruitment initiatives are paying off with 17 new junior doctors joining the team over the last week - the largest single intake of medical staff to the hospital in recent years.

Fifteen new senior house officers and two anesthetic registrars, all from the United Kingdom, have commenced orientation and will work in all areas of Southland Hospital over the next  12 months.

Southern DHB Interim Chief Medical Officer Murray Fosbender said the latest intake was a reflection of the DHB's commitment to attracting and retaining highly skilled medical staff and there would be multiple benefits for the hospital and the wider community.

"We are very pleased to welcome this talented group of professionals to further their work experience with us and enjoy the great southern lifestyle," said Mr Fosbender.

"Southland Hospital, like other hospitals throughout the country, has been trying to change the culture of recruiting short term locums to our staff for years and the arrival of these new junior doctors will contribute greatly to a stable workforce at Southland Hospital."

"They will have the opportunity to get to know our facilities, patients and colleagues well, which can only contribute to greater continuity of care for our patients and excellent learning opportunities for staff."

Mr Fosbender said Southland Hospital had introduced many new initiatives over the last nine years to attract and retain medical staff to Southland, with a real focus on clinical governance, educational opportunities and practical support for new recruits and their families during the relocation process.

"We have recruited very experienced junior doctors who may decide at the end of their time here to stay on and enter a training scheme or return in the future to work with us again.

"It is very gratifying that our recruitment efforts have borne fruit and we welcome our latest recruits to the organisation."