(File photo) Photo: 123rf
Te Whatu Ora has received little information from other agencies about suicide among the medical workforce.
The agency's board asked for more information last October following a New Zealand Medical Journal editorial about the problem "in order to understand the issue".
The agency said it had asked mental health and suicide prevention teams at Manatū Hauora and the Medical Council, but neither held the data.
"We have been advised that, as coroners do not routinely collect occupation data, there are no reliable statistics on suicide rates by occupation in New Zealand."
If there was an unexplained death among its workforce, which numbers tens of thousands, it made sure full support services were there, Te Whatu Ora said in a response to an Official Information Act request.
"We also make appropriate enquiries to understand whether there are any potential contributory factors in the workplace that need to be investigated and addressed."
It had various support programmes in place for employees across the country, for anyone "struggling with personal or professional issues".
"Suicide among our workforce is a sensitive and complex matter which we take very seriously.
"We are also committed to continuing to work with professional bodies and with unions representing our workforce, to ensure we provide a safe and positive workplace experience for all our people."
Where to get help:
Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.
Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO (24/7). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.
Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (24/7) or text 4202
Samaritans: 0800 726 666 (24/7)
Youthline: 0800 376 633 (24/7) or free text 234 (8am-12am), or email talk@youthline.co.nz
What's Up: free counselling for 5 to 19 years old, online chat 11am-10.30pm 7days/week or free phone 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787 11am-11pm Asian Family Services: 0800 862 342 Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm or text 832 Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm. Languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi and English.
Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254
Healthline: 0800 611 116
Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
OUTLine: 0800 688 5463 (6pm-9pm)
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
