This change follows an announcement by Health Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Minister and Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey regarding the new placements for 2027, 2028, and beyond, made at a media conference yesterday.
The new Waikato medical school will offer placements for its students in Nelson/Marlborough, Hawke’s Bay, and Whanganui.
Otago has confirmed its plans to phase out placements in the Nelson/Marlborough and Hawke’s Bay regions by the end of 2028, and in Whanganui by the end of 2029, with Waikato assuming these locations.
Otago medical students will continue to have clinical placements in Southern, South Canterbury, Canterbury, West Coast, Wairarapa, Tairāwhiti, and Capital, Coast, and Hutt Valley.
According to Prof Suzanne Pitama, head of Otago’s faculty of medicine, the number of placements at Otago will remain unchanged, and the teaching approach will not be affected.
‘‘For more than 150 years, we have collaborated with communities to educate doctors who serve across New Zealand and beyond.
‘‘We are proud of that legacy and grateful to the clinicians, teachers, communities, and graduates who have shaped it. We remain committed to providing high-quality, socially accountable medical training that meets the expectations of communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.’’
Prof Pitama mentioned that logistical issues would be addressed during the transition period.
‘‘The University of Otago, the University of Auckland, and the University of Waikato have participated in a nationally coordinated process, overseen by the Ministry of Health’s clinical placements board, to support sustainable clinical training capacity for increasing medical student training and capability across Aotearoa New Zealand.’’
Prof Robin Gauld, executive dean of Bond Business School, noted that Otago would need to adapt to these changes.
‘‘This might mean creating additional placements in some existing locations or establishing new ones in places they have not previously worked in.
‘‘But there is some time available. There is a runway before the Waikato arrangement begins.’’
Prof Gauld acknowledged that the situation is challenging for Otago, as it involves losing ‘‘a lot of intellectual memory and relationship building’’ in areas where placements will no longer be allowed.
‘‘I’m sure they’ll manage through it, but it’s quite challenging being told to leave a region because Waikato is moving in.’’
Prof Gauld, who has taught at the Otago medical school, noted there have been extensive ‘‘internal conversations’’ about changing placement locations, with some staff expressing concerns about sustainability.
matthew.littlewood@odt.co.nz
