Te Whatu Ora is celebrating World Allied Health Professions Day today to celebrate the skills, experience and innovation that more than 50 clinical professions ranging from physiotherapists to lab scientists and technicians bring to the health sector.

 

Chief Executive Margie Apa said the breadth and depth of the skills of these clinicians is impressive and that the health system could not function without them.

 

“Allied Health is a term that includes specialties such as dietitians, social workers, occupational therapists, pharmacists, anaesthetic technicians, oral health therapists, medical imaging technologists and many other clinical professions.

 

“This workforce plays an integral role in providing health services to patients in our hospitals and people in the community.

 

“World Allied Health Professions Day is a fitting time to pause and acknowledge the contribution of this important workforce.”

 

Te Whatu Ora is marking the occasion throughout the country, through a range of events and activities such as local Allied Health Awards, and highlighting the work of Allied Health professionals in local settings.

 

Chair of Te Whatu Ora Directors of Allied Health Sue Waters said that Allied Health, Scientific and Technical workers comprise over 20 per cent of the Te Whatu Ora clinical workforce.  

 

“Our Allied Health workforce will play a critical role as we transform our health system and build towards pae ora – healthy futures for all New Zealanders.”