What we do

Tertiary education and research

Bay of Plenty Clinical School

The Bay of Plenty Clinical School was established by the District Health Board in 2007 and is a crucial element in attracting high quality health professionals to the region, both now and in the future. It is well known that the world is ‘ageing’, and in New Zealand there will be 60 per cent more people aged over 65 than children within the next 40 years. This means there will be a substantial increase in demand for medical and health care services. The issue will be even greater in the Western Bay of Plenty sub-region due to our higher than average 65+ demographic. The workforce in the health sector is expected to increase by 25 per cent in the next decade to keep up with demand. Established over two campuses in Tauranga and Whakatane, students are able to complete the practical parts of their study towards qualifications in all health-related disciplines (medicine, nursing and allied health).

An agreement has been reached with Auckland University for placement of medical students. The first intake of University of Auckland fifth year medical students took place in early 2010, representing a milestone for the region. Placements have been made in paediatrics, health in ageing and specialty surgery, with expanded numbers and placements in other areas planned for the future. These students are the first of many who will experience the region early in their medical training, with the exposure potentially encouraging them to consider the Bay for their future careers.

The Clinical School has also established a Clinical Trials Unit (CTU). The CTU undertakes pharmaceutical trials and health related research projects, and is funded by an independent charitable research trust. All funds raised by research and clinical trials are used to support clinical training and research initiatives throughout the region. The CTU aims to be recognised as the leading provider of clinical research services in the Bay and is also marketing its capability to national and international pharmaceutical and medical-device companies.