Announcement of Ministry of Health Chief Advisor

20 May 2013

Announcement of Ministry of Health Chief Advisor – pharmacy focus

The Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand (the Guild) is pleased to hear of the creation of a pharmacy-focused Chief Advisor at the Ministry of Health, and the appointment of Andi Shirtcliffe into the role.

The Guild believes that the move indicates a renewed commitment by the Government to ensuring that community pharmacy is recognised as central to the provision of, and access to, health care in New Zealand.

The Guild fully supports the Chief Advisor’s aim of increasing the focus on pharmacy across the Ministry’s work streams, as well as facilitating pharmacy-related innovation and improvements driven by patient care throughout the country.

Community pharmacists are an accessible group of health professionals, able to provide expert care in their local communities, as well as develop initiatives that meet and contribute to the Ministry of Health’s goal for “Better, sooner, more convenient” health care.

Guild Chief Executive, Lee Hohaia, said of the appointment: “The creation of a pharmacy-specific advisor role at the Ministry will provide an important benefit for the health sector as a whole. It shows investment in the future of pharmacy, and I have no doubt that Andi will make a significant contribution to the work of the National Pharmacy Programme.”

The Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand (Inc) is a national membership organisation representing community pharmacy owners. We provide leadership on all issues affecting the sector and we advocate for the business and professional interests of community pharmacy.

For additional information on the Guild and community pharmacy, please go to www.pgnz.org.nz.

ENDS

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