Submission on the Non-Regulated Workforce in the Health & Disability Sector: A Discussion Paper

 

The College of Nurses Aotearoa (NZ) commend the DHBNZ for taking the initiative to address issues related to the development of the unregulated workforce, and appreciate the opportunity to comment on this discussion document.

In terms of future development, the non-regulated workforce should comprise the second level health and disability workforce who provide the day to day care and routine tasks of those who need short and long term assistance. Such a workforce should work closely with the regulated workforce, enabling them to concentrate on the delivery of specialist and more complex activities.

In response to the discussion document, the College of Nurses :

  1. Support the development of pathways with consistency in the level of knowledge, skills and attitudes required for non-regulated workers in the variety of contexts as outlined in the discussion document. This should begin with standardising the level and quality of programmes preparing the non-regulated workforce. The Mental Health Blueprint could inform such a development.
  2. Stress the need to explore support mechanisms for the unpaid/informal sector of the unregulated workforce, and valuing their often unrecognised contribution to health and disability services.
  3. Support the need to clarify and address the impact of legislative change on the responsibility and accountability of both regulated and non-regulated workers. This will require the relationship, roles and accountabilities between these two groups to be clearly identified.
  4. Recommend the exploration of the supervision and monitoring required for the non-regulated workforce within the context of the quality of service they deliver to optimise the outcomes and functioning of those they work with and support.
  5. Support the need to reduce the casualisation and part-time nature of the workforce to optimise stability.
  6. Recommend consultation with Maori, Pacific and other relevant groups to ensure their perspective is included in the development of the non-regulated workforce.

 

Submission prepared on behalf of the College of Nurses Aotearoa (NZ) by:

Dr Denise Wilson

RN PhD FCNA(NZ)

 
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