Thousands ‘getting progressively sicker’ as surgeries pushed back further

Nearly 7500 patients waiting more than a year for surgery are now meant to have spots on operating lists – but some in the sector say it’s unlikely it will speed things up as the workforce remains at breaking point, RNZ reveals. Between 15 August, 2021, and 26 June, 2022, 13,410 surgeries were cancelled nationally. Association of Salaried Medical Specialists executive director Sarah Dalton said an obvious solution was to enable a “learn while you earn” model for trainees. “Stop forcing midwives to be without income while they are learning – put in decent support.”