From Sonny Taite, acting Chief Information Technology Officer

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora recognises that digital services are a key enabler for efficient and effective health service for all New Zealanders.

Following feedback and consultation with staff, clinicians, and union representatives, a consultation decision document has been shared with our Digital Services team today that will see 1460 roles retained nationally. This is 175 more than was originally proposed.

We currently have more roles available in the digital team than people, and we are committed to enabling as many staff as possible to be retained or redeployed into roles in this team and elsewhere in the organisation.

The decision confirmed today impacts 1,815 current roles as follows:

  • 758 vacant roles have been disestablished
  • 447 roles are disestablished with redeployment offers for staff in these roles
  • the remaining 610 roles are disestablished, and staff in these roles have an opportunity to participate in an expression of interest process for new roles, of which there are 651 available.

(Note: staffing levels can change for a variety of reasons so figures may have minor fluctuations.)

At Health NZ we are committed to ensuring all parts of our organisation operate efficiently and deliver for patients and we recognise that digital services play a vital role in achieving this. 

We received substantial feedback from our people during consultation and positive engagement with clinical and district leadership has resulted in an enhanced structure and operating model. We thank them for their considerable input, along with their patience and support during this process.

The structural changes made to our Digital Services team are designed to ensure our IT functions are set up to support regional devolution, deliver efficiencies and allow us to operate sustainably.

The new operating model will see a nationally led Digital Services team, coordinated regionally, with local delivery supporting clinicians and patients at the frontline.

New ways of working will be implemented to drive efficiency and productivity through simplifying and standardising our processes.

In addition to these changes, we are looking to a strong digital future for our health services with a 10-year Digital Investment Plan which is in development. This plan will advocate for increased investment in digital as a key enabler for health service delivery and improved outcomes.

We acknowledge the impact this decision has on some members of our team, and we are providing appropriate support.<