Hospital’s annual leave liability

Some Palmerston North Hospital staff have more than two years of leave built up – a problem that is going to cost millions to resolve.

Midcentral District Health Board officials are scratching their heads about how to fix an issue expected to cost up to $6.7 million, if they want to resolve it inside 12 months.

Clearing annual leave for staff who have more than a year in the bank will cost $5.32m, while some have as much as two years leave, which would cost $1.4m to wipe.

Association of Salaried Medical Specialists executive director Ian Powell said doctors found it difficult to take leave because of the pressure they are under.

The problem stemmed from a shortage of staff.

‘‘There is a systemic problem, where you need to be employing more specialists to get a safe work environment.’’

Midcentral has 337 staff who have more than twice their annual leave entitlement, 162 of whom have not had a two-week break in the past three years.

It employs the equivalent of 310 full-time medical staff, but 46 per cent of them have more annual leave over the yearly entitlement.

The nursing situation is even worse – Midcentral has the equivalent of 986 full-time nursing positions, however, 59 per cent of them have more annual leave than their annual entitlement.

Powell said the problem was nationwide and not just one facing Midcentral.

Powell said there was a way to fix the problem, but it required a policy shift from those in charge.

‘‘It involves recognising that we actually need more specialists.’’

Midcentral people and culture general manager Janine Hearn said the hospital would have no choice but to spend money to resolve the situation.

Midcentral chief executive Kathryn Cook said the issue had built up over a decade.

‘‘The onus is on us to make sure as a board we monitor carefully.’’