Details of major health review finalised

Health Minister Dr David Clark has confirmed the final details of the wide-ranging review of New Zealand’s health and disability system as it begins its work in earnest.

The review, to be led by Heather Simpson, was announced in May. Final Terms of Reference and the full membership of the review panel have now been signed-off by Cabinet.

“New Zealand has a public health service that we can all be proud of. We are have world-class clinicians and allied health workers and they deliver quality services – but we can always do better.

“Like many countries we face some big, long-term challenges such as a growing and aging population and an increasing prevalence of chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer.

“As Health Minister I am also committed to addressing the fact that our health system does not deliver equally well for all. We cannot just accept worse health outcomes for Māori and Pacific peoples.

“This review is a once in a generation opportunity to improve equity and outcomes for New Zealanders. It will chart a course for a fairer, more sustainable health and disability system.

“The Terms of Reference have been refined following expert feedback but they remain deliberately wide and now allow for a more thorough assessment of the disability sector.

Joining Ms Simpson on the expert review panel are Shelly Campbell, Professor Peter Crampton, Dr Lloyd McCann, Dr Margaret Southwick, Dr Winfield Bennett and Sir Brian Roche.

“The health sector will know these names well. There’s no way every interest can be represented on a panel of seven, but health leaders will recognise the reputation, competence and capability of this group.

“I have no doubt they will deliver robust and far-reaching recommendations. I expect and look forward to nothing less,” says David Clark.

NOTE: Final Terms of Reference are attached. The date for the final report is now no later than 31 March 2020.

Expert Review Panel biographical information:

Chair: Heather Simpson has a background in health economics and was an economics lecturer at Otago University. From 1999-2008 she was Chief of Staff to then Prime Minister, Helen Clark. She went on to work at the United Nations Development Programme and is currently a special advisor in the Prime Minister’s office.

Member: Shelley Campbell brings an array of business, health, and governance experience to the Review panel. As CEO of the Cancer Society, Waikato/Bay of Plenty, she manages a large budget and is responsible for 750 staff and volunteers. She is a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit – health and disability, and an Honorary Captain of the Royal New Zealand Navy.

Member: Professor Peter Crampton is Dean of the Otago Medical School at the University of Otago. He brings significant academic expertise to the Review panel, and is a specialist in public health medicine. His research is focused on social indicators and social epidemiology, health care policy, and health care organisation and funding.

Member: Dr Lloyd McCann brings governance, business and health sector experience to the Review panel. He is CEO and Head of Digital Health at Mercy Radiology and Healthcare Holdings Limited, and was previously Director of Medical Services and Chief Operating Officer at MercyAscot Hospitals and Mercy Radiology. He has served on various advisory panels, and has presented at health and business conferences.

Member: Dr Margaret Southwick has worked as a Senior Lecturer, Head of School and Dean in the nursing departments at various tertiary institutions in New Zealand. She serves on various advisory committees and her governance experience will be a valuable contribution to the Review panel. She was previously Chair of the Nursing Council and was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal for contributions to Pacific Communities in 2009.

Member: Dr Winfield Bennett was Group Manager, Funding, Planning, and Performance at Hawke’s Bay DHB. He has helped to lead: the development of the New Zealand Primary Healthcare Strategy, planning and funding teams at Capital & Coast and Hawke’s Bay DHBs, and litigation management and development of cost benefit assessments at PHARMAC.

Member: Sir Brian Roche brings extensive governance, leadership and business experience to the Review panel. In 2017, he was named a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the State and business. He was Chief Executive of the New Zealand Post Group from 2010 to 2017 and was previously Chairman of the New Zealand Transport Agency Board.