Health New Zealand will take additional time to engage with clinicians, leaders, staff and unions to further develop a future leadership model for the Midland Te Manawa Taki region.

Cath Cronin, Executive Regional Director, Midland region, said feedback from staff so far had largely focused on refining and strengthening the proposed model rather than opposing its intent.

“Staff have asked about the design options, implementation approaches and the clinical leadership arrangements across clinical disciplines,” she said.

“It is clear that there is an opportunity for further engagement. Therefore, to help deliver an effective change proposal that works for staff and patients, staff have been advised that the proposal will not proceed in its current form.”

Cronin said the need to strengthen leadership arrangements across the region remained.

“Change is needed to ensure we are providing the best care we can to communities in our region.

“This provides an opportunity to pause, reflect, and focus on achieving the best possible outcomes. We are resetting to achieve the best outcomes, not the fastest. We are taking stock, listening carefully, and working collaboratively to develop a more effective leadership structure.”

Cronin said staff, unions and the communities would be updated as this work progressed.