JCCs Round One
The first round of JCCs are underway. We had some lively and well attended meetings last year and it would be great to see as many of you as possible this year. You can check when your meeting is here.
- News
Staring down the barrel of a senior doctor staffing crisis
It can take at least 13 years to train a hospital specialist and we are facing not only gaping shortages, but also an ageing workforce. In this opinion piece published by Newsroom.co.nz, ASMS Executive Director Sarah Dalton looks at New Zealand’s worsening medical workforce crisis.
Improved cancer treatment relies on more staff
The Association of Salaried Medical Specialists Toi Mata Hauora warns cancer treatment in New Zealand will not improve without planning and action to fill gaps and boost the medical workforce. In its first report the Cancer Control Agency, Te Aho o Te Kahu, identifies issues around an ageing cancer specialist workforce and the need to attract more trainees. “Unfortunately, that doesn’t reflect the pressure staff and departments are currently under, and the overall picture is more urgent,” says ASMS Executive …
An open letter to Jacinda Ardern on a People’s Vaccine
ASMS, along with 41 other organisations, has backed an open letter to the Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, the Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta and the Trade Minister Damien O’Connor on supporting a People’s Vaccine.
Call for nominations – ASMS National Executive team
It’s election time for the ASMS National Executive team. Nominations are called for the roles of President, Vice President and two representatives from each region. A Special Circular has been sent to all ASMS members which includes further information and a link to the nomination form. You can read the Special Circular here. The closing date for nominations is Friday 19 February 2021.
Conference videos available now
We had a lively and engaging Annual Conference this year. 175 people filled the room at Te Papa while others attended virtually. The conference theme ‘Building the workforce pipeline, stopping the drain’ ran throughout the two days. We welcomed an interesting range of speakers who gave presentations on topics such as the workforce pipeline, our equity kaupapa, CME in the post-Covid era and heard from doctors who have followed their creative passion to become writers. The new Minister of Health …
Briefing to incoming Health Minister on point
The Association of Salaried Medical Specialists says the Briefing to the incoming Health Minister is on point and shows just how urgently investment in health is needed. The briefing by health officials paints a picture of a health system which is under immense stress, is suffering from chronic underfunding, has inequitable health outcomes and a vulnerable medical workforce. ASMS Executive Director Sarah Dalton says the assessment will come as no surprise to senior doctors and dentists who work at the …
CME and Covid restrictions
Using CME while there are still Covid travel restrictions in place has thrown up a number of issues which are likely to continue well into next year. We have drawn up a preliminary discussion document for members and DHBs as a rough guide to help with CME planning and access. We are keen to get feedback and input from members so please read it and email asms@asms.org.nz with your suggestions using CME in the subject line.
All DHBs need to prioritise carbon footprint reduction
The Association of Salaried Medical Specialists supports the Government’s commitment to a carbon neutral public service by 2025. The health sector is responsible for between 4-8% of New Zealand’s carbon emissions. Last week senior doctors and dentists at the ASMS Annual Conference passed a resolution to strongly advocate for all DHBs to join Toitū Envirocare – an organisation which measures and reports on environmental impact and gives certification. ASMS Executive Director Sarah Dalton says so far six of the DHBs …
ASMS Annual Conference 2020
We had a lively and engaging Annual Conference this year. 175 people filled the room at Te Papa while others attended virtually. The conference theme ‘Building the workforce pipeline, stopping the drain’ ran throughout the two days. We welcomed an interesting range of speakers who gave presentations on topics such as the workforce pipeline, our equity kaupapa, CME in the post-Covid era and heard from doctors who have followed their creative passion to become writers. The new Minister of Health …