Update On Progress In Implementing Gisborne Cervical Screening Inquiry Recommendations
Health Minister Annette King today released the first briefing report from the Ministry of Health showing early progress
in implementing the recommendations of the Gisborne Cervical Screening Inquiry Report.
When Mrs King released the report at a public meeting in Gisborne on April 10, she said she had asked the Ministry to
provide monthly reports charting progress on implementing the recommendations.
"Importantly progress has been made on recommendations regarding the evaluation of the National Cervical Screening
Programme, amendment of the Health Act and the future role of ethics committees. In all, 32 of the 46 recommendations
have been completed or are underway.
"The Government will introduce legislation this year that will cover the amendments necessary to evaluate the programme
effectively, including changes to section 74a of the Health Act."
Mrs King said the Ministry had established a steering group to oversee the implementation of the recommendations. The
group, comprising officials from across the Ministry, is headed by National Screening Unit (NSU) Group Manager Karen
Mitchell.
"I will also be meeting Dr Euphemia McGoogan this month to discuss implementation of the recommendations. Dr McGoogan,
an expert in cervical cytopathology, will provide me with independent advice on the implementation.
"I believe New Zealand women can feel confident that the lessons from Gisborne are being learned," Mrs King said.
Ends