Warning shortage of neurologists will see struggle with demand
New Zealand’s healthcare system faces growing challenges in providing timely neurological care, despite advancements in treatments for debilitating conditions. A recent study highlights a widening gap between the increasing demand for neurologists and the capacity to meet it, raising concerns about access to essential care for conditions like multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and stroke.
A Growing Demand, Limited Capacity
The study, led by Professor Anna Ranta from the University of Otago in Wellington and published in BMJ Neurology Open, examined current capacity, historical trends, and future projections to inform health sector planning. The findings indicate that New Zealand lags behind other high-income countries in the number of neurologists available per capita.
Currently, New Zealand has one neurologist for every 74,000 people. Here’s significantly lower than Australia, which has one neurologist per 41,000 people. An Australian workforce model suggests that, for optimal patient management, one neurologist per 28,000 people is required.
The Impact on Patient Care
The shortage of neurologists is already impacting patient care. Professor Ranta noted that only approximately one in five patients with chronic neurological diseases are regularly reviewed by a specialist. The expected ratio of follow-up appointments to initial assessments is six to one, but Health NZ currently reports a one-to-one ratio.
Instances of limited access to neurological expertise are occurring. In May of last year, a woman in Palmerston North experienced a seizure and discovered no neurologist was on duty at the hospital, requiring a general physician to consult with a specialist in Wellington.
Challenges in Training and Treatment Advances
New Zealand’s capacity to train new neurologists is limited, with only four to five new specialists completing training each year – a process that takes three years. This limited training capacity coincides with an increasing need for specialized neurological services.
New and more complex treatments for conditions like multiple sclerosis are becoming available, and new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease are on the horizon. Treatment options for rarer diseases, such as spinal muscular atrophy, are also emerging, alongside advancements in stroke treatment, including reperfusion therapies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current state of neurology workforce in New Zealand?
As of 2024, there are 83 neurologists working in New Zealand, equivalent to 67.3 full-time positions, including 8.3 paediatric neurologists. This translates to one neurologist per 74,000 people.
What is being done to address the shortage?
Te Whatu Ora Health NZ states it is committed to growing the healthcare workforce, including neurology, and is considering research papers like this one in its workforce planning.
What impact does the shortage have on patients?
The shortage means that only about one in five patients with chronic neurological disease are regularly reviewed by a neurologist, and the ratio of follow-up appointments to initial assessments is significantly lower than expected.
As neurological needs continue to evolve, will New Zealand be able to adequately support its population?