Healthcare workers have long been considered the heart of the healthcare system, but it is no secret there is a nationwide shortage of them.
That's what inspired Dunedin entrepreneurs Chris Mackle and Andrew Wills to develop a share economy platform that is devoted to delivering healthcare workers to businesses when they require them.
WoFo Medstaff - short for Work Force - is an app, similar to Uber, that enables healthcare providers to send out a request for registered nurses and healthcare assistants at short notice, and get a response within minutes.
"I had exhausted options and it was COVID, limited resources, limited staffing availability right across the sector... I gave WoFo an opportunity and they just came to the party," said Christchurch's Nurse Maude Hospital service manager Natalie Seymour. "They were absolutely a saving grace."
But healthcare wasn't always the plan for Mackie and Wills. They left the construction industry in 2018 to start what they called a "catch-all staffing solution" across multiple industries, including construction, cleaning and retail.
But soon after launching, the small business was struck by the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Originally we were a bit idealistic... the lockdowns sort of helped us to focus on what were best at, which turns out to be healthcare," said Wills.
The healthcare industry is in dire need of workers, with a current shortfall of around 8000, according to Te Whatu Ora.
Earlier this year, the WoFO platform notched up 5000 registered workers across the country. Christchurch is the largest market but they are operating in all major centres including Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington and Dunedin.
And the pair have plans to expand.
"We're working towards working with Te Whatu Ora, which is a big step for us, and also expanding into Australia," said Wills.
In addition, Mackle said they are also looking to diversify into other areas of healthcare, including mental health and addiction.
Seymour said Nurse Maude is currently using WoFo staff on a daily basis, but it won't solve all of the country's healthcare issues.
"I don't think it's the answer but it absolutely helps," she said.
"It has ensured we've been able to provide consistent care, which is the ultimate goal for us."
