Workforce Instability: Nearly 40 Percent of Public-Sector Physiotherapists Plan to Resign

A new Otago University study reveals nearly 40% of public-sector physiotherapists intend to leave their jobs, citing high pressure and demanding hospital roles.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 9, 2026, 5:17 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

A Snapshot of a Workforce Under Pressure

The first detailed analysis of the public health physiotherapy workforce in Aotearoa has uncovered a looming stability crisis. Published in the New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy, the study surveyed over 570 clinicians—nearly half of the 1,200 physiotherapists employed by Health New Zealand. The findings show that while the workforce is highly experienced, with nearly 60% boasting over a decade of practice, a staggering 39.6% expressed an intention to leave their positions. Furthermore, nearly one-fifth of respondents have considered abandoning the physiotherapy profession entirely.

The Complexity of Hospital-Based Roles

Lead author Gillian Watson, a PhD candidate at the School of Physiotherapy, emphasizes that these roles differ significantly from private practice or sports-related physiotherapy. Public-sector clinicians operate in high-stakes environments, including intensive care units (ICU), emergency departments, and stroke or spinal units. Their scope of practice ranges from neonatal care to supporting elderly patients with chronic respiratory or neurological conditions. The study notes that 51.7% of these professionals regularly work overtime, while nearly half contribute to demanding out-of-hours rosters, highlighting the physical and mental toll of hospital-based clinical work.

Retention Challenges and Clinical Quality

The research underscores a critical link between workforce retention and the quality of patient care. Expert clinicians in specialized fields like intensive care cannot be replaced quickly, as their skills are built over years of on-call experience and high-acuity practice. Watson argues that the loss of seasoned staff leads to increased operational costs and potential disruptions in the "health journey" of patients transitioning from acute care back to the community. The study advocates for urgent, targeted strategies to support recruitment and mental health within the public system to avoid a long-term decline in health outcomes.