The Pharmaceutical Journal Vol 265 No 7112 p329
September 2, 2000 Letters

Pharmacy overseas

Working in New Zealand

From Mr J. Brown, MRPharmS

SIR,-For all pharmacists considering work in New Zealand or abroad generally, I would like to highlight some cautionary points. From personal experience I would strongly recommend members to consider the following points before accepting "permanent" contracts in New Zealand.

• Insist on a job description for the post. Any reputable company will be able to provide this
• Get everything in writing. It may sound obvious but it is not always easy
• Discuss issues surrounding annual leave in detail and get it in writing because they may have to work a year before getting any leave or may need to accrue leave before being able to take it
• Only accept conditions of repayment of relocation of expenses if they fail to stay for several years when they are absolutely clear what the job is, or make sure they can afford to meet the expense if unresolved problems arise

Finally, an easy way to gain insight into employee satisfaction within an organisation they are considering is through the personnel or human resource department. Contact them and ask about pharmacist turnover. An annual turnover of 40 to 50 per cent cannot purely be due to staff travelling around the country.
If members take these points into account they will have a rewarding experience. If companies cannot provide the details they want they can work as a locum. There is plenty of work in New Zealand and at least there will be no nasty surprises.

J. Brown
Birmingham