That is the vision the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) is putting to political parties ahead of the 7 November general election.
RACS is calling for the next government to make three commitments:
Grow and retain the surgical workforce
Aotearoa needs enough surgeons and a wider surgical workforce – from anaesthetists and nurses to technicians, orderlies and support staff – to meet current and future demand, with more training positions and targeted action to build capacity in underserved communities.
Make access to surgery needs-based and equitable
Healthcare resources should be directed to where the need is greatest, informed by evidence. This includes investing in high-quality demographic data and building a surgical workforce that is appropriately distributed to meet the needs of all communities, including those in regional and rural settings, and better reflects Aotearoa’s population.
Build the infrastructure to deliver surgery
Accelerated investment is needed into modern digital and data systems as well as operating theatres, procedural suites and hospital beds so the health system can meet current and future demand.
“People should not have to wait longer for surgery because the health system has failed to plan for the workforce, facilities or digital infrastructure needed to deliver it, or because those resources are not available where they are needed most,” said Dr Sharon English, Chair of the RACS Aotearoa New Zealand National Committee.
“Aotearoa has an opportunity at this election to take a longer-term view of surgical care. We hope political parties can put ideology aside and unite around a shared vision for the future, and the practical steps needed to make it a reality. That means building the workforce, capacity and systems we need, and making sure they are available where they are most needed, so people can access timely surgery wherever they live.”
