Health
The health sector is a major direct employer. Being a stable employer, it makes an important contribution to the internal economy during times of recession. In the Waikato in 2006, a significant 4.2% of the population was employed in the health sector.
Numbers Employed in the Waikato Health Sector
| 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | |
|
Hospitals and Nursing Homes |
4720 | 4980 | 5220 | 5310 | 5410 | 5530 | 5610 | 5630 | 5770 |
|
Medical and Dental Services |
1180 | 1260 | 1340 | 1400 | 1420 | 1490 | 1530 | 1560 | 1560 |
|
Other Health Services |
2720 | 3380 | 3430 | 3440 | 3740 | 3720 | 3300 | 3800 | 3650 |
The Waikato District Health Board (DHB) employs 63% of the same health professionals that are in the primary, private sector in the Waikato. There are a number of professions such as osteopaths, acupuncturists, and chiropractors that are not employed in the DHB but that are classified as health care workers. These health professionals work predominantly in the primary and private health sectors.
The functions of the health sector also have a direct effect on the health and productivity of the whole community.
Career and Education paths
Most of the health and disability sector workforce requires a health related qualification that is regulated by a professional body.
There is a national approach to education and training of health professionals, and training is available in selected centres of New Zealand.
There are two local providers that offer health related education and training for regulated health professions.
Wintec offers entry level programmes in health studies, undergraduate qualifications in nursing, midwifery and occupational therapy, and postgraduate qualifications in nursing. Also mental health programmes, social work and counselling.
Certificate in Social Services
National Certificate in Mental Health Support
Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Counselling)
Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Te Whiuwhiu o te Hau - Mäori Counselling)
The University of Waikato offers undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in the following relevant subject areas: science, psychology, counselling, health management, health development and policy.
National Certificate in Social Services
In addition to the regulated, qualified occupational groups there are other significant workforce groups operating across the sector. These are predominantly in the care and support area.
There are unit standards available for people in these roles which are developed by Careerforce ITO and delivered on the job, or by local training providers.
Future
The health and disability sector is likely to face significant workforce shortfalls over the next 30 years due to an ageing population, and a predicted increase in incidence of chronic disease.
The number of health workers will need to increase by between 28% and 42% from 2001 to 2021 just to meet increasing demand by an ageing population, and to mitigate the effect of the ageing health workforce. (Source: NZIER report. Ageing New Zealand and Health and Disability Service: Demand projections and Workforce Implications, 2001-2021. December 2004)
National health policy will have a major impact on the size and nature of the workforce, but it is expected that ongoing recruitment and training will be required to meet the needs of the population.
