Dr Robert Martynoga

Specialist Intensivist & Anaesthetist, Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, NZ

I have worked as an intensive care specialist at Waikato ICU since 2012, with responsibilities including chairing the research program and leading the COVID-19 response. I have a particular enthusiasm for care quality improvement which has led to becoming a Trustee of the Aotearoa New Zealand Sepsis Trust - a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving sepsis care for all, and to supporting survivors and their whanau.

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Stress-Testing the Workforce

​The challenges of delivering high-quality intensive care differ from place to place. In our tertiary unit the pressures are multiple, leading to regular arrival at the "tipping point" where demand exceeds capacity and the team are placed under significant stress as they strive to triage patients, balance acute and planned care, and to support patients and whanau. This results in a 'moral hazard' that takes its toll on the team. We face understaffing and high turnover with a steady erosion of morale. The future can be different - improved resourcing and more skilled colleagues can help us to deliver the service required by the population of Te Manawa Taki - Midlands Region. He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata! What is the most important thing in the world? It is the people, the people, the people!