5 Apr 2023

Te Whatu Ora: Survey reveals bullying, lack of resources & poor confidence in leadership

From Nine To Noon, 9:05 am on 5 April 2023
medicine, healthcare and pandemic concept - sad young female doctor or nurse wearing face protective mask for protection from virus disease sitting on floor at hospital

Photo: 123RF

The results of the first survey of staff at Te Whatu Ora since its establishment last year reveal only just over half believe the merger will improve the health needs of the community. The survey was conducted in late November to mid December last year and completed by 28 thousand staff - 29 per cent of the organisation. Te Whatu Ora has refused to release the survey, citing staff privacy and the need to protect future surveys. The results are consistent across the country, and reveal a lack of confidence in those in decision making roles, persistent bullying in some areas, with numerous respondents saying  bullies are not dealt with, or worse, promoted. Only a third of staff feel they have the resources to perform their roles well. The survey comes as Te Whatu Ora moves to disestablish 1600 mostly non-clinical roles from executive leaders through to those working in commissioning, finance, service improvement and innovation. Kathryn speaks with Dr Deborah Powell from the Resident Doctors Association, Sarah Dalton from the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists and Paul Goulter, Chief Executive of the Nurses Organisation.