Unknown impact for Whanganui from Plunket's proposed job cuts

Plunket is proposing major changes for non-nursing roles in the central region.

Plunket is proposing to disestablish 53 roles in its central region area but it is unclear what impact any changes will have on staff and services in Whanganui.

The central region covers all North Island areas south of Auckland.

Plunket spokeswoman Jen Riches referred the Wanganui Chronicle to a statement on the organisation's website and said she could not answer questions because Plunket was currently in consultation with staff about the proposed changes.

The statement says it is proposed that 53 roles in the central region be disestablished, with 18 reconfirmed roles, 15 contestable roles and one newly created role. The proposed changes affect administrative, leadership, community services functions and structure. It does not include the nursing service.

"The consultation is only a proposal at this stage – a proposal is by no means a decision and there is still some way to go before decisions are made," the statement says.

"Wherever possible we would be looking to reassign any staff who were in roles that were disestablished, once decisions on final structure have been made."

The statement said families could continue to use Plunket services as usual.

Plunket changed its legal structure to a charitable trust on January 1.

"In late 2016 Plunket voted to make the historic move from an Area Society Structure and transition into a modern and relevant national charitable trust," Plunket's website says.

"A single, cohesive national organisation will make it easier for Plunket to deliver fairer outcomes for its families and children with a focus on areas that need it most."

The organisation has three funding streams. The Ministry of Health provides funds for the Well Child health services. Other funds come from community fundraising and volunteer contributions, with corporate funding the third source.

The Plunket Foundation is an independent philanthropic trust established by Plunket to build an endowment fund for major projects that will improve the health outcomes of New Zealand children and their families. It is funded through the Truby King Bequest Society and a Major Gifts Programme.