Health New Zealand spent just over $216 million on locum doctors last year, up from the nearly $209 million spent in 2024, and just over $186 million in 2023.

Health NZ clinical national director Dr Richard Sullivan says they are aiming to hire more permanent staff. 

But, Sullivan told Mike Hosking, locums will likely always be necessary, "getting people in certain parts of the country is a problem, always has been a problem, probably always will be a problem."

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Health New Zealand spent just over $216 million on locum doctors last year, up from the nearly $209 million spent in 2024, and just over $186 million in 2023.
Health NZ clinical national director Dr Richard Sullivan says they are aiming to hire more permanent staff.&nbsp;
But, Sullivan told Mike Hosking, locums will likely always be necessary, "getting people in certain parts of the country is a problem, always has been a problem, probably always will be a problem."
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Open your mind to the world with New Zealand’s number one breakfast radio show.Without question, as New Zealand’s number one talk host, Mike Hosking sets the day’s agenda.The sharpest voice and mind in the business, Mike drives strong opinion,...

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Dr Richard Sullivan: Health New Zealand national director says they want more permanent doctors

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/343e2614-4bb3-434a-b081-b43f016502fd/transcript