Starship Children's Hospital delays chemo as experienced nurse shortage worsens

Cancer treatments at Auckland's Starship Children's Hospital have been delayed by up to seven days because of a severe nursing shortage, officials said on Thursday. Health Minister Simeon Brown confirmed the longest delay reached a week, while Dr Greg Williams, director of Health New Zealand's Starship Hospital, explained that the paediatric haematology/oncology service had to reschedule several chemotherapy sessions after staff numbers fell short of the level needed for safe delivery. Two nurses who spoke anonymously described the shortage as the worst they have seen in more than a year. They said many nurses lack the specialised training, hours and qualifications required for chemotherapy and other high‑risk therapies. New graduate nurses are being hired in larger numbers, but they receive only two to three weeks of supervised practice before working independently on the oncology ward, which the nurses said is insufficient for such an intense, emotional area. The nurses stressed that patients will still receive needed care, but the pressure means they cannot spend time with families or play with the children as before. They are not asking for higher pay, only more experienced staff who can train newcomers. The staff also urged Minister Brown to visit the unit, noting he has not done so yet.

Context

Shortages of specialised nurses are a nationwide issue, especially in high‑risk paediatric oncology where training is lengthy. Delays in chemotherapy can affect treatment outcomes, making retention of skilled staff a critical priority for the health system.