Review launched into OmniHealth services following staff resignations
Friday 2 October 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story Health New Zealand
Health New Zealand is reviewing whether OmniHealth can continue to provide safe healthcare at its practices. The investigation follows the resignation of seven staff members, including a doctor and nurses, from the Pahīatua Medical Centre in September. The organisation has faced criticism regarding staffing shortages and workloads at its centres.
Key facts
4 facts
- Seven staff resigned from Pahīatua Medical Centre in September.
- Dannevirke Community Hospital has a 30-day freeze on patient admissions.
- Taitoko Health in Levin has 14 resignations since December.
- OmniHealth operates 16 or 17 medical centres across New Zealand.
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
The Primary Health Organisation (PHO) has launched a review into OmniHealth clinic services following the resignation of seven staff members from Pahīatua Medical Centre. The departing staff, which included a doctor and nurses, cited overwhelming workloads and a safety crisis as reasons for leaving in September.
Health New Zealand is seeking assurances that the OmniHealth network can continue to provide safe healthcare. This follows a 30-day freeze on new patient admissions at Dannevirke Community Hospital after a spot audit found the facility unsafe due to staff shortages.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the Taitoko Health clinic in Levin, where the final GP is set to finish at the end of the year. Approximately 4,500 patients are enrolled at the clinic, and Malcolm Mulholland of Patient Voice Aotearoa stated there have been 14 resignations at the centre since December.
The PHO review will examine OmniHealth clinics within its network to ensure service continuity and workforce sustainability. OmniHealth chief executive Mark Wills, who sits on the PHO board, has been stood down from matters relating to the review.
Where reports differ
- Reports differ on the total number of medical centres operated by OmniHealth, citing either 16 or 17.
Compiled from reports by RNZ and The Post.
