New Chief Medical Officer

2 February 2005

New Chief Medical Officer

The new Chief Medical Officer for the Southern Cross Medical Care Society Dr Peter Cooke says his role is to enhance value for Southern Cross members by staying abreast of technological changes in the marketplace and enhancing relationships with healthcare service providers.

Previously the medical director of the public hospitals in Tauranga and Whakatane, Dr Cooke also has extensive hand-on experience, working as a specialist anaesthetist since 1986.

Southern Cross Group Chief Executive, Dr Ian McPherson said, “We are fortunate to have found a medical expert of Dr Cooke’s calibre and experience who can increase the organisations medical input into decision making.

“Dr Cooke’s role will involve giving clinical guidance to Southern Cross staff and members and ensuring good working relationships with the medical profession.

“He will also be primarily responsible for reviewing, managing and providing robust clinical input into new procedures, product development and medical technologies for members to access,” said Dr McPherson.

Dr Cooke’s interest in wider health issues was stimulated in 2001, following completion of a Waikato University Master of Business Studies degree. Since that time anaesthesia has been only part of his practice.

He has made sure this skill will be retained while working in his new role at Southern Cross. Dr Cooke will dedicate 10 hours of his week working privately as a specialist anaesthetist.

He is also currently the New Zealand chairman of the New Zealand Committee of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists.

ENDS

© Scoop Media