Health board cuts 34 jobs

Waitemata District Health Board has cut 34 management non-clinical positions.

The restructuring affects provider services including adult health services, home and older adult services, child, women and family services, mental health services and clinical support.

The board’s chief operating officer Graham Dyer says the process will allow doctors and nurses to take on more clinical leadership roles at all levels and make the best use of resources.

"Thirty-four non-clinical roles have been disestablished and a further four have not been replaced.

"Some of these people are applying for new roles within the new structure," says Mr Dyer.

The cuts have occurred over the board’s area including Waitakere and North Shore hospital.

"In the current environment, not only do we need to live within our means in a challenging financial climate but we need our hospital services to be less bureaucratic and more innovative," says Mr Dyer.

Board communications manager Lydia Aydon says the restructuring is an ongoing process and it is quite possible other management roles could be cut in the future.

Ms Aydon says the new structure is not in response to the funding cuts proposed for health boards in 2010.

She says it is more about the clinical staff making efficient decisions which is one of the government’s health targets.

- © Fairfax NZ News