Choosing Wisely welcomes Southern Cross as new sponsor

Choosing Wisely welcomes Southern Cross Health Society as new sponsor

Choosing Wisely is pleased to announce a new partnership with Southern Cross Health Society as a sponsor of the global campaign’s New Zealand chapter; aimed at helping people make informed choices about their health care.

The campaign is run in this country by the Council of Medical Colleges and has received widespread support from the health sector here. Council of Medical Colleges Chair Dr Derek Sherwood says he is pleased to have an organisation as recognisable and trusted as Southern Cross Health Society supporting Choosing Wisely.

“Southern Cross Health Society’s leadership and not-for-profit Friendly Society status makes it an ideal partner for Choosing Wisely,” says Sherwood. “Its focus on improving the health and wellbeing of its members closely aligns with our purpose of minimising unnecessary medical tests, treatments and procedures.”

Southern Cross Health Society Chief Executive Nick Astwick says the sponsorship of Choosing Wisely is part of the business’ commitment to giving its members confidence about their health and lifestyle choices.

“The Choosing Wisely initiative is a perfect fit with our goal of giving our members assurance about their health and wellbeing,” says Astwick. “Empowering Kiwis with the tools they need to have well-informed conversations about their treatment options is a key part of that.”

As part of its sponsorship, Southern Cross Health Society will promote Choosing Wisely to its network of healthcare professionals and its approximately 853,000 members.

Other sponsors of Choosing Wisely are Pacific Radiology and PHARMAC. Campaign partners are Consumer and the Health Quality & Safety Commission, and there is wide sector support – including from DHBs and the Ministry of Health.

Choosing Wisely encourages patients to ask their health professionals these four questions:

Do I really need to have this test, treatment or procedure?
What are the risks?
Are there simpler, safer options?
What happens if I do nothing?

ENDS

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