"It's looking fairly good": Health NZ adamant health outcomes are turning a corner
Health New Zealand's adamant health outcomes remain positive and are turning a corner.
Health's under scrutiny ahead of the election, with workers and unions calling for more support.
The Government's acknowledged struggles, but claims wait times, cancer treatment, and child immunisation rates are getting better.
Health NZ Chief Executive Dale Bramley told Kerre Woodham there are other improvements beyond waiting lists and EDs.
He says life expectancy continues to rise.
Bramley also says he wants every nursing student to find employment, but admits there are caveats.
There've been ongoing concerns around students struggling to get work, despite unions and workers crying out for staff.
Labour's promising every eligible New Zealand-trained graduate a job from next year if elected.
The CEO told Woodham Health New Zealand's recently announced they will take 800 new grads.
But he says employment also relates to the ensuring the right mix of skills, and it's not just about Health New Zealand, noting there are other places that take nursing grads.
LISTEN ABOVE
Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you