13 June 2006
“New Director-General of Health Appointment Welcome”
“The appointment of Stephen McKernan as the Director-General of Health is welcome,” said Mr Ian Powell, Executive
Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, today.
“In his positions as chief executive at both the Counties Manukau and Hutt Valley district health boards Mr McKernan was
supportive of health professional engagement in the organisation and development of health services. He also had a
strong practical focus.”
“The Health Ministry desperately needs in its leadership someone with practical experience of how health services are
best organised and delivered.”
“We hope that Mr McKernan will provide the shake-up that the Ministry needs and become more acutely aware of the
valuable role of health professionals in the health system,” concluded Mr Powell.
ENDS