There's concerns over extreme staff shortages in rural hospitals - as the Government announces funding to help urgent and after-hours care. 

Patient Voice Aotearoa has revealed more than 20 rural hospitals across the country are looking for one or more locum doctors.

The Far North's Dargaville, Bay of Islands, and Kaitaia hospitals are doctor-less - and relying on telehealth.

Chair Malcolm Mulholland says it's unclear how we can staff extra services - and we have to do more to keep doctors here.

"This is the problem that we've got - whether we're looking at GPs or specialists who operate within our hospitals, we simply don't have enough."

LISTEN ABOVE

There's concerns over extreme staff shortages in rural hospitals - as the Government announces funding to help urgent and after-hours care.&nbsp;
Patient Voice Aotearoa has revealed more than 20 rural hospitals across the country are looking for one or more locum doctors.
The Far North's Dargaville, Bay of Islands, and Kaitaia hospitals are doctor-less - and relying on telehealth.
Chair Malcolm Mulholland says it's unclear how we can staff extra services - and we have to do more to keep doctors here.
"This is the problem that we've got - whether we're looking at GPs or specialists who operate within our hospitals, we simply don't have enough."
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Malcolm Mulholland: Patient Voice Aotearoa chair voices concerns about potential lack of doctors in rural areas

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/5794ec48-5151-43d9-a845-b2e20062a026/transcript