Core Schedule is proud to announce a strategic partnership with RHCNZ Medical Imaging Group, New Zealand’s largest private radiology provider. Together, we’re implementing a cutting-edge workforce rostering solution across 73+ clinics and supporting over 1,200 dedicated professionals nationwide.

This collaboration marks a significant step toward delivering seamless, intelligent, and scalable workforce management across radiology operations.

Meeting the Needs of a Complex Workforce

RHCNZ’s decision to partner with Core Schedule reflects their commitment to operational excellence and improved staff experience.
The solution will integrate Core Schedule, TimeFiler, and Alxemy—three best-of-breed platforms—to deliver a unified roster-to-pay ecosystem featuring:

• Seamless two-way integration with PayGlobal, powered by TimeFiler’s proprietary engine.
• Automated award interpretation and real-time leave balance projections.
• Deep radiology-specific functionality, removing the need for manual Excel processes.
• Local New Zealand-based support and healthcare-specialised expertise.

“RHCNZ sought a partner who could truly understand our industry and deliver a scalable, future-proof rostering system,” said Shayne Hunter, Chief Digital Officer at RHCNZ Medical Imaging Group.
“Core Schedule’s track record in radiology, combined with its local expertise and best-in-class technology partnerships, made it the natural choice.”

Proven Expertise in Radiology Scheduling

Core Schedule’s platform is already trusted by radiology teams across Bay Radiology, Wellington Hospital, and Lakes District Health Board.
In Australia, Core Schedule supports South Australia Medical Imaging (SAMI) and SA Pathology, and is the only rostering vendor formally endorsed by SASMOA to provide physician scheduling solutions.

This partnership with RHCNZ further strengthens Core Schedule’s leadership in radiology workforce management across both sides of the Tasman.

A Unified, End-to-End Solution

Together, the three partner organisations bring complementary strengths:

• Core Schedule – purpose-built software for complex healthcare rostering.
• TimeFiler – award-winning compliance and payroll engine with two-way PayGlobal integration.
• Alxemy – workforce and payroll specialists ensuring smooth implementation and ongoing operational excellence.

“We’re thrilled to partner with RHCNZ and bring a tailored rostering solution that meets the complex needs of radiology operations,” said Dr Stephen C. Pool, CEO and Founder of Core Schedule.
“Our team’s clinical background and technical expertise uniquely position us to deliver value quickly while building a long-term platform for success.”

About RHCNZ Medical Imaging Group

RHCNZ Medical Imaging Group is New Zealand’s largest private provider of radiology services, operating more than 73 clinics nationwide. The organisation is dedicated to world-class diagnostic imaging, innovation, and patient care.

About Core Schedule

Founded by a physician, Core Schedule is a healthcare rostering platform trusted by 200+ organisations across New Zealand, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and the United States. Designed for complex medical staffing, Core Schedule simplifies scheduling, improves compliance, and enhances workforce efficiency.

coreschedule.com

Key Takeaway

This partnership represents a milestone in healthcare technology—combining deep clinical understanding with proven technical innovation to reshape how radiology teams across New Zealand manage their workforce.

The post Core Schedule Partners with RHCNZ Medical Imaging Group to Deliver Advanced Radiology Workforce Rostering System appeared first on Core Schedule.

Core Schedule, a leading healthcare workforce scheduling platform, today announced that King Fahad Specialist Hospital – Emergency Department (KFSH-ED) in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, has selected Core Schedule as its primary rostering and workforce management solution.

The move marks Core Schedule’s first entry into the Saudi Arabian healthcare market, signalling growing global demand for its intelligent scheduling software. The hospital, known for providing advanced care across multiple specialities, will leverage Core Schedule’s automation, compliance, and workforce optimisation tools to streamline rostering operations for its emergency care teams.

“This is an important milestone for Core Schedule as we bring our proven solutions to the Middle East,” said Dr. Stephen Pool, CEO and Founder of Core Schedule. “KFSH-ED’s commitment to clinical excellence aligns perfectly with our mission to make healthcare staffing more efficient, scalable, and clinician-friendly.”

“We are proud to partner with Core Schedule to enhance operational efficiency in our Emergency Department,” said Dr. Ali Aldawood, King Fahad Specialist Hospital. “This platform will help us streamline staff allocation, optimise workflows, and ultimately support our clinicians in delivering the highest quality care.”

“We are committed to supporting our physicians with tools that make their work more sustainable and effective,” said Dr. Khalid Al Mulhem, Emergency Department Chairman at King Fahad Specialist Hospital. “Core Schedule’s scheduling system will reduce administrative pressures on our doctors, providing greater flexibility, clearer visibility, and more time to focus on clinical work.”

With over 190 organisations worldwide using the Core Schedule platform, the company has become the dominant rostering solution in the Australian and New Zealand healthcare market. Its platform supports major hospitals, health services, and virtual health organisations, helping clinical teams reduce administrative burden and focus on patient care.

The company’s expansion into Saudi Arabia reflects a growing trend in global healthcare towards digital transformation and operational efficiency.

Highlights of the Partnership

• Advanced automated rostering and compliance management for emergency medicine.

   

• Proven track record of deployment at 190+ organisations globally.

   

• Strategic expansion into the Middle East healthcare sector.

   

“We’re excited to collaborate with King Fahad Specialist Hospital – ED, a leading facility in the Kingdom,” added Pool. “Together, we’ll redefine how clinical teams in high-pressure environments manage their time and deliver patient care.”

For more on King Fahad Specialist Hospital, visit: https://www.ehc.med.sa/portfolio/king-fahad-specialist-hospital/

The post Core Schedule Secures First Saudi Arabian Client: King Fahad Specialist Hospital – Emergency Department appeared first on Core Schedule.

Together with a group of innovative New Zealand health tech companies, we visited three of Australia’s most respected research institutions:

• The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health
  
  
• Orygen – Australia’s Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health
  
  
• Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI)
  
  

Each visit offered powerful insights into how Australia is tackling the complex challenges of youth mental health through world-class research, early intervention programs, and technology-enabled care.

A true highlight was the participation of Hon. Matt Doocey, New Zealand’s Minister for Mental Health and Associate Minister of Health. Minister Doocey’s presence not only elevated the importance of the discussions but also reinforced the New Zealand Government’s commitment to cross-border collaboration in mental health innovation.

For those unfamiliar with Minister Doocey’s work, this Q+A interview provides a compelling look into his role and priorities:
Meet New Zealand’s First Mental Health Minister – Matt Doocey (Q+A 2024)

As a company deeply embedded in healthcare workforce transformation, Core Schedule was proud to be part of today’s delegation, exploring how better systems and partnerships can support the well-being of future generations.

The post A Day of Insight and Impact: NZTE Trade Delegation Explores the Future of Child and Youth Mental Health in Australia appeared first on Core Schedule.

We were thrilled to welcome dozens of attendees from across Australia and New Zealand, including RMO Unit managers, Medical Workforce leaders, Clinical Educators, and Hospital Admin teams. The strong turnout confirmed what we’ve been hearing from the sector: the demand for better systems to support junior doctors is urgent—and growing.

Together with Dr. Stephen Pool (Core Schedule) and Tom Collins (MedApp), we explored:

• How to build safer, more flexible rosters

• The importance of clear, timely communication

• Streamlined onboarding and education for new cohorts

• Tools that reduce admin burden and support staff wellbeing

  
  

The Q&A session highlighted the importance of professional services and onboarding processes, with thoughtful questions and shared challenges that many organisations face—especially those still relying on manual processes or disconnected systems.

As one attendee shared: “Absolutely inspiring, redirecting and insightful.”

The feedback and engagement reinforced that smarter solutions aren’t just a ‘nice to have’—they’re a must-have.

If you missed the live session, the replay is available, please email sales@coreschedule.com to receive the link. And if you’re interested in exploring how Core Schedule and MedApp could support your team, we’d love to chat.

Thanks again to everyone who joined us—we’re excited to keep this important conversation going.

The post Webinar Recap: Smarter Roster Planning & Clinical Communication for Junior Doctors appeared first on Core Schedule.

With 86% of senior doctors and dentists voting in favour of strike action, the stage is set for a 24-hour nationwide walkout. This isn’t just a protest—it’s a disruption that cuts to the core of how we manage our hospitals, our staff, and our patients.

And while the focus is rightly on fair compensation and safe staffing levels, hospital leaders now face an urgent question:

Are we prepared to protect patient safety during service interruptions?

Disruption Is Inevitable. Chaos Is Not.

Every health system faces moments of crisis—strikes, pandemics, natural disasters.

What defines resilience is contingency planning and compliance control.

At Core Schedule, we offer two powerful modules to support healthcare organisations when operations are under stress:

Core Compliance

Your safety net for clinical, contractual, and regulatory coverage.

Built to manage complexity, Core Compliance helps:

• Validate Life Preserving Services (LPS) rosters
• Track union vs. non-union staffing
• Maintain compliance with SECA and health & safety standards
• Provide audit-ready transparency
• Coordinate with CDs, HODs, and service managers
• Flag risks before they become failures

Core Contingency

Your toolkit for building dynamic, crisis-ready rosters.

Whether it’s a strike, flood, or staff shortage, Core Contingency supports you to:

• Build emergency rosters in minutes
• Create surge plans for key departments.
• Fill gaps using best-fit matching.
• Identify cross-cover potential
• Respond to staff availability changes in real-time.

Strikes Are a Stress Test

This industrial action is a clear call for change—better working conditions, better resourcing, and better support.

But it’s also a stark reminder for operational leaders: we must be ready for the unexpected.

Core Compliance and Core Contingency were designed for exactly these moments—because crisis management shouldn’t start when the crisis hits.

Let’s not wait for the next emergency to build better systems. Let’s plan forward.

The post Healthcare Strikes & the Power of Preparedness – Why Contingency and Compliance Matter appeared first on Core Schedule.

Across three days, our Chief Customer Officer, Candice Togia,  had the opportunity to connect with clinicians, ICU nurses, managers, allied health professionals, and researchers dedicated to transforming patient care through innovation and collaboration.

Meaningful Conversations with Frontline Leaders

Rich conversations on the intersection of culture, equity, and clinical workforce planning were inspiring. Attendees shared how incorporating cultural competencies, including traditional skills and spoken languages, can enhance care for whānau in crisis. Visibility of these skills within rostering systems emerged as a critical need.

There was strong interest in how Core Schedule could support skill mix visibility, gender and language data, and improved workforce wellbeing — especially among researchers and nurse leaders from across New Zealand and Australia. It was clear that many current systems are not fit-for-purpose in healthcare settings and create more friction than support.

One particular highlight was hearing from a researcher focused on the link between poor rostering systems and workforce burnout — reinforcing the value of purpose-built tools that support both operational efficiency and staff wellbeing.

Positive Reception to Real-World Impact

Attendees were especially impressed by features like:

• Skill mix visibility
• iCal integration for seamless calendar syncing
• Live access to rosters from home or mobile devices
• Templates for repeating shift patterns
• Availability insights for casual staff pools

Our intuitive, user-friendly interface struck a chord with ICU teams tired of relying on WhatsApp chats, physical notice boards, or spreadsheets to manage shift availability and communication.

Health services such as Healthscope, RBWH, Monash Health, Hawkes Bay ICU, and St Vincent’s Hospital showed strong engagement, reflecting a shared urgency for modern solutions that reduce admin burden and return clinical staff to the floor.

System Gaps and Shared Challenges

We consistently heard frustration with existing platforms (non Core Schedule)  — particularly around lack of flexibility, poor integration, and limited cultural sensitivity. Many organisations voiced the need for:

• Better integration with systems
• Compliance with MECA agreements
• Roster rules to manage short-notice cancellations, such as auto-restrictions on future shift availability if someone repeatedly cancels on short notice

These insights are invaluable as we continue evolving Core Schedule to meet the real-world needs of healthcare teams.

In Summary

The ANZICS/ACCCN ASM 2025 conference highlighted just how critical effective rostering is in delivering safe, equitable, and sustainable healthcare. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth — your feedback and stories are helping us shape a better future for workforce planning in critical care.

We look forward to continuing these conversations and supporting more ICUs across Australasia and beyond.

– The Core Schedule Team

The post Core Schedule at ANZICS/ACCCN ASM 2025: Empowering Critical Care Teams Through Smarter Staff Scheduling appeared first on Core Schedule.

As healthcare professionals advocate for improved conditions, it’s imperative that healthcare organisations explore innovative, proactive solutions to support both staff wellbeing and operational resilience.

Understanding the Core Issues

Doctors in public hospitals have raised alarm bells about consistently long hours with insufficient rest, leading to burnout and potential risks to patient care.

For example, Henry Crayton, a junior doctor, reported working 135 hours in a fortnight, overseeing more than 150 patients per shift—a workload he described as “completely normal” (SBS News). This scenario is not unique and reflects wider systemic strain across the sector.

Such conditions take a toll not only on the physical and mental health of doctors but also compromise the safety and quality of care delivered to patients (The Guardian, ABC News).

The Role of Core Schedule in Supporting Healthcare Professionals

At Core Schedule, we understand the complexities involved in healthcare workforce management. Our suite of smart scheduling tools is designed to help organisations balance operational needs with the wellbeing of clinical staff.

Core Compliance Module

Adhering to labour laws and organisational policies is essential. Core Compliance automates the tracking of work hours, fatigue limits, rest breaks, and overtime. It offers real-time alerts and detailed reporting to flag compliance breaches—empowering rostering managers to make timely adjustments and prevent chronic overwork.

Core Contingency Module

Unplanned absences, surge events, and industrial action call for rapid response. Core Contingency enables healthcare leaders to activate alternate staffing plans on the fly—drawing from on-call pools, standby teams, or redeploying internal resources. In a climate of unpredictability, this module helps ensure continuity of care while easing administrative burdens.

Core Allocation / Role Assignment Module

Efficient distribution of tasks and equitable workload distribution are essential to prevent burnout. The Core Allocation module facilitates intelligent assignment of shifts and responsibilities, taking into account individual capacities, preferences, and compliance requirements. This strategic approach aids in creating balanced schedules that support both staff satisfaction and optimal patient care.

Proactive Measures to Prevent Future Disruptions

While the current strike underscores system-wide pressures, the pathway forward requires more than reactive fixes. Implementing robust scheduling, compliance, and contingency frameworks can help identify and address root causes of staff dissatisfaction—before they escalate.

When organisations support equitable rostering and operational flexibility, they build environments that retain top talent, reduce burnout, and consistently deliver high-quality care.

Conclusion

The challenges highlighted by the NSW doctors’ strike reveal a broader truth: sustainable healthcare starts with sustainable staffing.

By leveraging smart solutions like Core Compliance, Core Allocation, and Core Contingency, healthcare organisations can take real steps toward balance, fairness, and future readiness.

Supporting our doctors is not just a moral imperative—it’s a strategic priority.

Sources:

• SBS News 
• The Guardian: NSW Doctors Strike
• ABC News: NSW Doctor Workload Crisis

The post Better Workloads, Better Care: The Role of Smart Scheduling in Healthcare Reform appeared first on Core Schedule.

But there is hope—innovative solutions can help alleviate the burden and create efficiencies in the system.

At Core Schedule, we’re keenly aware of the challenges that come with managing healthcare teams in this environment. Our scheduling solutions are designed with healthcare professionals in mind, enabling organizations to better manage their workforce while improving both patient care and team morale. Here’s how we can help:

1. Optimized Shift Management

Our platform allows for intelligent scheduling that takes into account availability, skillsets, and compliance requirements. By streamlining shift management, healthcare teams can ensure that the right people are in the right place at the right time, reducing overwork and burnout while improving patient outcomes.

2. Enhanced Flexibility for Locum and Agency Staff

In response to workforce shortages, many healthcare organizations are increasingly reliant on locum and agency staff. Core Schedule makes it easy to integrate these temporary workers into your existing schedules. With seamless coordination, you can fill gaps quickly and efficiently while maintaining continuity of care.

3. Workforce Retention

Retaining healthcare professionals is crucial to addressing workforce shortages in the long term. By improving work-life balance through optimized schedules and reducing administrative burdens, we help organizations create a more sustainable and fulfilling environment for their teams, reducing turnover and burnout.

4. Data-Driven Insights

Our solution provides real-time data and analytics, allowing healthcare leaders to make informed decisions about staffing levels and trends. With accurate forecasting and performance metrics, we help you proactively address resource shortages before they become critical.

5. Support for Strategic Workforce Planning

Core Schedule can integrate with your existing systems and assist in long-term workforce planning. Whether it’s optimizing current staffing levels or strategically planning for future needs, our tools help ensure your organization is prepared for whatever lies ahead.

The post Addressing Healthcare Workforce Shortages – How Core Schedule Can Help appeared first on Core Schedule.

We were honored to welcome Dr. Ayesha Verrall, Labour List MP and former Minister of Health, to our office on 30 August 2024. Her visit highlighted the critical role Core Schedule has played during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as our current focus on advancing healthcare support in New Zealand.

COVID Support Initiatives

Dr. Verrall commended Core Schedule for its rapid deployment of COVID-specific solutions, including the roster system for CBACs (Community-Based Assessment Centres) that was set up in just 24 hours. She also praised our free vaccine clinic rostering module, which played a vital part in the nation’s vaccine rollout, ensuring clinics were efficiently staffed across public hubs

Current Focus: Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure

During the discussion, we explored Core Schedule’s current priorities. One of our key initiatives is the “Safe Rosters – Safe Patients” project, which aims to enhance the safety and well-being of healthcare professionals through better roster management. Additionally, our Roster-to-Pay feature was highlighted as an essential tool to ensure compliance with the Holidays Act, benefiting both employers and healthcare staff.

Looking ahead, Core Schedule remains committed to providing innovative solutions for healthcare organizations. With support from partners like Dr. Verrall, we continue to advocate for agile, interoperable rostering systems that meet the evolving needs of the healthcare sector.

The post Dr. Ayesha Verrall Discusses COVID Support with Core Schedule appeared first on Core Schedule.

Over the past few years, New Zealand has increasingly become a hub for innovative companies making significant strides across industries and entire economic sectors.

Among those making the biggest splash across the ditch in Australia are Core Schedule in the healthtech arena and Banqer in the edtech space.

These companies have not only revolutionised their respective fields within New Zealand but have also expanded their reach to Australia, addressing critical issues in healthcare and education.

Healthcare rostering revolution

Core Schedule, founded by New Zealand physician Stephen C. Pool, is a groundbreaking platform designed to streamline healthcare rostering.

The platform’s mission is simple yet profound.

“At Core Schedule, we believe in the power of having the right people, with the right skills, in the right place, at the right time. It’s not just about rostering; it’s about optimising healthcare delivery to ensure every patient receives the care they deserve,” says Pool.

The urgent need for the platform became evident during the COVID pandemic, as traditional scheduling methods proved inadequate to meet the crushing demands of healthcare staffing.

Core Schedule’s solution was comprehensive, addressing intricate scheduling requirements across various units, including the Emergency Department at Royal Adelaide Hospital.

The platform’s success in managing the hospital’s COVID response unit, which required scheduling for approximately 600 full-time equivalents (FTEs) within a tight timeframe, highlighted its adaptability and efficiency.

“Every minute saved on rostering is a minute gained in caring for patients and saving lives,” says Pool, who created Core Schedule while working in New York City.

Core Schedule’s advanced scheduling and workforce management solutions offer numerous benefits to healthcare professionals and patients alike, including improved work-life balance, shift swapping and easy time-off requests reduce burnout and reduced administrative burden for hospital staff.

The benefits for patients include consistent care and enhanced quality of care and a reduction in medical errors.

Core Schedule also addresses compliance regulations and staffing challenges through key features such as safety scans, audit trails, and customisable scheduling rules.

“Our platform navigates the complexities of compliance regulations, shift rotations, and optimal staffing levels. Its comprehensive approach fosters efficiency, reduces errors, and enhances patient satisfaction,” says Pool.

Transforming financial literacy education

In the education sector, meanwhile, Banqer has emerged as a leading force in financial literacy education.

Co-founded by Kendall Flutey, Banqer was inspired to expand into the Australian market thanks to the vexed issue of financial illiteracy.

“Financial illiteracy is a global problem, with numerous reports showing concern regarding Australians’ financial literacy,” says Flutey.

“We believe that our innovative approach to financial education can help address this issue.”

Banqer’s platform offers a “financial playground” for students, providing real-world simulations that cover essential financial concepts.

“Through real-world simulations, such as opening mock bank accounts, earning fictitious wages, paying expenses, enrolling in superannuation, managing risk with insurance, and investing, students gain hands-on experience with financial concepts, building financial capability and growing future financial wellbeing,” Flutey says.

Adapting the platform to meet Australian needs presented challenges, such as aligning with local tax brackets, superannuation systems, and language differences.

“Firstly, we had to ensure our platform was relevant to the Australian context. For example, in New Zealand, renting as a young adult is called ‘flatting’, which we quickly found out doesn’t mean anything to Australians,” says Flutey.

“We also aligned Banqer High with the National Curriculum and various state curricula, covering a broader range of learning outcomes.”

Despite these challenges, Banqer’s impact has been significant, reaching over 125,000 students across all six Australian states since launching its primary school platform in 2019 and its secondary school platform in 2020.

“We’ve observed material improvements in financial literacy and capability among students who use our platform,” Flutey says.

“What’s exciting is that many students have reported taking real-life financial actions as a result of their learning.”

Future innovation and growth

Both Core Schedule and Banqer have ambitious plans for further innovation and growth in the Australian market.

Core Schedule is focused on integrating the latest AI technologies to assist with roster generation and workforce optimisation.

“We are working on integrating the latest AI technologies to assist with roster generation, teaching allocation assignments, and workforce optimization,” says Jasmin Kelly, Core Schedule’s vice president of sales and marketing.

The company aims to enhance its product offerings and form strategic partnerships to increase visibility and credibility within the Australian market.

“Our expansion strategy focuses on enhancing our product offerings, forging strategic partnerships, and ensuring top-notch customer support to meet the unique needs of the Australian market,” Kelly says.

Meanwhile, Banqer is innovating with the release of a new version of Banqer High for senior secondary school students.

This version is designed for use in pastoral care programs, preparing students for the financial world after school.

“Students encounter a range of financial scenarios, including renting and furnishing a house, managing living costs, buying a car, and understanding the link between wellbeing and financial decisions,” Flutey says.

To learn more, please visit New Zealand Tech Story.

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