Health Hīkoi Marches in Dunedin, Advocates for System Reform

The Hīkoi for Our Health has taken to the streets of Dunedin, gathering signatures and raising awareness about critical issues facing New Zealand’s public health system. On Saturday, approximately 50 people marched through the city’s streets towards the Octagon, accompanied by a bagpiper and displaying placards highlighting their cause. This initiative aims to present a petition in Wellington on November 18, calling for necessary reforms in healthcare.

Concerns Over Staffing and Patient Care

Dr. Malcolm Mulholland, chair of Patient Voice Aotearoa, emphasized the need to ignite a national conversation regarding public health. He pointed out that staffing shortages are a pressing concern, notably at the Dunedin Hospital, where the radiology department is facing critical understaffing issues. “There are big waiting lists when it comes to cardiology. Urology is another department that is massively short,” Mulholland stated. He further noted that mental health services have not seen an increase in senior medical officers for several years, and the situation in pediatrics and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is dire, with plans to limit services to acute cases only.

The march, which was already at least 150 metres long, is expected to grow as more supporters join the cause. Mulholland expressed hope that the petition would reflect the public’s desire for a fully functional health system.

Local Leaders Join the Cause

Dunedin’s Mayor, Sophie Barker, voiced her commitment to improving local healthcare during her campaign and reiterated her determination to advocate for the city’s health services. “We need to ensure that we have enough staff and that we’re recruiting for those roles,” Barker said. She highlighted the personal impact of the healthcare system, noting that many residents have experienced difficulties within it. “We absolutely need to fight to get those numbers of staff up and make sure they are well-compensated,” she added.

Barker stressed the importance of accessible healthcare and the urgency of addressing the staffing crisis to ensure that local services remain viable. As the petition prepares for submission, the Hīkoi for Our Health continues to gather momentum, aiming to provoke meaningful dialogue and action regarding the future of public health in New Zealand.