The Clinical Council was established in 2017 as a vehicle for clinicians to provide a strategic clinical perspective and advice on plans and initiatives important to the people living in the communities being served by MidCentral DHB (MDHB).

Due to two resignations from the initial Council, we are seeking two new clinicians who offer a fresh perspective, and who are enthusiastic, driven and proactive in their engagement with the Council, the wider DHB and the community.

The Clinical Council is currently chaired by Dr Simon Allan, ONZM, the director of palliative care at Arohanui Hospice who has more than 40 years of working in the palliative field.

Dr Allan said the Clinical Council provides a vital forum for clinical leadership at MDHB:

“The Council has the ability to identify significant clinical issues, either of service improvement or of risk. The Council has a duty to our population to ensure equitable and quality services are provided. We all expect to be treated with dignity and to have to have care appropriately provided in our best interests. Therefore, the Clinical Council will listen carefully to and work with the Consumer Council to integrate care across the district. Our independent voice will support the cluster integration work and report directly to the DHB.”

Current Council members include: Social Worker Brian Field, Senior Clinical Psychologist and Research Consultant Dr Don Baken, Community Pharmacist Fiona Bradley, MDHB Associate Director of Nursing – Acute and Elective Specialist Services Jan Dewar, Primary Health Care Nurse and Primary Health Consultant Jane Ayling, MDHB Public Health Physician - Māori Health Practice Leader, Director Medical Training and PE Supervisor Dr Janine Stevens, MDHB Charge Nurse Michael Bowey, MDHB Senior House Officer Dr Michael Fleete, General Practitioner and Clinical and ITC Medical Advisor Dr Nader Fattah, and MDHB Deputy Clinical Director Child Health Service Dr Nicola Pereira. John Hannifin is also a member in his capacity as Independent Chair of the Consumer Council.

It is important that the Clinical Council is independent of the MDHB and the Central PHO, and is able to freely provide opinions on MDHB plans and strategic initiatives. The Council’s focus is to use an evidence–based approach that seeks outcomes, and considers the consequences and impacts of proposed strategies and initiatives, particularly on matters such as health equity.

Clinicians residing in the MDHB area are encouraged to apply by sending a CV and cover letter to the Committee Administrator Jodie Hickey at jodie.hickey@midcentraldhb.govt.nz. Further information, including the Clinical Council information booklet, can be obtained through the MDHB website or via the Committee Administrator.

Applications opened on 1 April 2019 and conclude 26 April 2019. Shortlisting will occur until 10 May with interviews of successful candidates to follow.

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