Commission chair receives international honour

Commission chair receives international honour

The Health Quality & Safety Commission congratulates board chair Professor Alan Merry, on being awarded an honorary membership of the American Society of Anaesthesiology (ASA).

Professor Merry was awarded the membership, which recognises his extensive work in patient safety, at the meeting of the ASA in San Francisco last week.

“The Commission is delighted Alan has been recognised internationally for his dedication to improving patient safety,” says Commission chief executive, Dr Janice Wilson. “It is an honour that is extremely well deserved.”

Honorary ASA membership has been given to only 34 individuals in the world since 1935, which is a reflection of the significance of the award.

Professor Merry was instrumental in establishing the Commission’s national patient safety campaign Open for better care. The campaign focuses on reducing harm in the areas of falls, surgery, healthcare associated infections and medication.

Professor Merry is Head of the School of Medicine at the University of Auckland, and practices anaesthesia and chronic pain management at Auckland City Hospital. He is also a board member of Lifebox, an international non-profit organisation which aims to improve the safety and quality of surgical care in low income countries.

ENDS

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