More doctors and nurses throughout New Zealand

The National-led Government has seen more than 1000 extra nurses and 500 extra doctors added to our health work force. Our voluntary bonding scheme has attracted 1400 medical, nurse, and midwifery graduates into specialities and locations where we need more of them. This year nurses who choose to work in mental health and aged care will have priority under the scheme. We are focusing on keeping our health professionals by offering more opportunities for clinical leadership and research. Vacancy rates in hospitals and nursing vacancies are at an all-time low, and hospital staff turnover has fallen dramatically. There are also more general practitioners working in primary care than at any other time. More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/speech/health-workforce-nz-seminar-speech-notes