GPNZ supports nurse pay parity call

General Practice New Zealand (GPNZ) supports the call for pay parity from senior nursing staff working in General Practices across New Zealand.

“Experienced nursing staff are key to running modern, successful and sustainable General Practice services for New Zealanders and we need Government service funding to recognise and reflect this by closing the pay parity gap with DHB colleagues," says Liz Stockley Chief Executive GPNZ.

“This is crucial to avoid the potential impact of a workforce crisis."

“Nursing staff working within General Practice teams are managing a significant portion of frontline health needs for most New Zealanders most of the time and it’s alarming to see that 70% of respondents in a recent NZNO workforce survey were considering leaving the sector due to the pay gap with DHB colleagues.

Under the Health Care Home model, General Practice offers an attractive and rewarding career path for nurses, so their pay and conditions need to mirror this, as in the Hospital sector.

Dr Jeff Lowe - Chair of GPNZ notes, “We continue to advocate towards pay equity for our nurse teams and acknowledge the sustained efforts of NZMA and NZNO in supporting our nursing workforce and the sustainability of General Practice.”