DHBs believes that negotiations with Senior Medical Officers (SMOs) are progressing satisfactorily despite some sticking points around remuneration structure, development of clinical leadership and reducing wastage in the sector.
The negotiations have so far been conducted in a constructive environment and there has been agreement in recognising most issues and concerns raised by ASMS.
These discussions continue to take place in good faith and both sides have been able to make ground in most areas not related to remuneration.
DHBs agree that talks are at a critical point and that finding a mutually acceptable solution is required. This requires both parties to share the problem and therefore DHBs are keen to progress these negotiations in a similarly positive vein to explore solutions when the parties meet again next week.
DHBs are not stringing ASMS along or misleading it. DHBs acknowledge, but reiterate that the problem is a shared one to be addressed by both parties.
ASMS must also acknowledge the pressures on DHBs and work with them to resolve these in a tough climate where the sector is under considerable financial pressure to meet Government expectations.
The process to date has been about finding common solutions and both parties need to avoid returning to positional bargaining where the focus goes into “claims” and not into a mutually acceptable, long-term solution to what are complex issues.
Both parties have clearly already identified that the issue of SMO remuneration is only one leg of a three pronged approach to addressing the recruitment and retention issues affecting this workforce.
DHBs believe it is important to keep things in perspective and adopt a rational and constructive approach to these negotiations.
ENDS