Government cost-cutting measures will result in the elimination of 123 positions at the Ministry of Health, as confirmed today by the Public Service Association (PSA). The Ministry disclosed that 247 roles will be disestablished and 124 new positions created, culminating in a net loss of 123 jobs.
Dr. Diana Sarfati, Director-General of Health, announced that the new organizational structure is expected to be in place by September 2. The total number of individuals who will leave the Ministry as a result of these changes will not be known until after that date.
Consultation documents released in April highlighted the Government’s view that the current size of the Ministry’s workforce was “unaffordable.” According to the PSA, this decision impacts approximately one in six positions within the Ministry.
Specialist teams supporting clinical, community, and mental health services have been notably downsized. The cuts include reductions in clinical leadership roles and the team responsible for the protection and rights of individuals receiving compulsory mental health treatment.
“Our heart goes out to impacted workers whose lives are being turned upside down at Health and across the public sector as the Government continues on its rushed and reckless campaign of spending cuts,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, PSA assistant secretary. “At a time when our health system is under pressure from a growing and ageing population, and as the cost of medical technology grows, we should be investing in the very Ministry that provides the expert advice and support needed for an effective health system.”
The Ministry plans to downgrade full-time roles at the Suicide Prevention Office but has reversed the decision to eliminate the director’s position, as reported by the union.
Dr. Sarfati stated that the Ministry held an all-staff meeting on June 13, following a three-week consultation period during which 466 submissions were received, including 59 from groups and two from unions. The Ministry had committed to announcing the decisions regarding these proposals before the end of June.
“This continues to be an unsettling time for the Ministry,” Dr. Sarfati remarked in a statement.
For further updates, stay tuned as the situation develops and the Ministry of Health implements the new structure in the coming months.
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