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Health Minister Dr David Clark has confirmed the final details of the wide-ranging review of New Zealand’s health and disability system, including the review panel’s members.

The review, to be led by Heather Simpson, was announced in May. Joining Ms Simpson on the expert review panel are Dr Lloyd McCann, Shelly Campbell, Professor Peter Crampton, Dr Margaret Southwick, Dr Winfield Bennett and Sir Brian Roche.

Dr Lloyd McCann is a former board chair of HiNZ and 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.

Final terms of reference have now also 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,” says Dr Clark.

“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.

“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 Clark.

Source: Beehive.govt.nz media release, 8 August 2018