Nurses Support Elected Representatives

Media Release:

Nurses Support Elected Representatives on Professional Councils

The New Zealand Nurses' Organisation (NZNO) is supporting the move to ensure that Doctors are able to elect representatives of their profession on to the Medical Council, arguably the most influential group impacting on public safety and professional competence.

Tony Ryall, Minister of Health, announced last week that the right of doctors to elect representatives on to the Medical Council will be reinstated. Tony Ryall's statement continues work the previous health minister, David Cunliffe had committed to progress.

Nurses would like to see a similar change. "We believe that it is extremely important that the Nursing Council, the regulatory body for nurses, has elected representatives from the profession included in its makeup," said Professional Services Manager, Susanne Trim.

"Until 1996 the NZNO had the right to nominate four nursing positions on the Council. Since then appointments have been political with the Minister having the option to consult with the profession. NZNO is now calling for the reinstatement of the right for nurses to elect representatives of their profession to the Nursing Council in the same way that doctors will be able to. This is important because it ensures that Nursing Council is kept connected to the nursing profession and Council members are respected and trusted by the profession.

We look forward to receiving confirmation that this regulation for Medical Council will be extended to provide for election of some members of the Nursing Council.

ENDS

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