HFA Announces Terms of Reference for Review Team

The Health Funding Authority today announced the draft terms of reference for the independent review team it is appointing to assess Healthcare Otago’s breast screening programme for Otago and Southland women.

The HFA’s chief executive, Peter Hughes, said the team would assess and provide expert advice on.-

 The adequacy of Healthcare Otago’s internal review
 Safety of women
 Adequacy of clerical/business processes
 Communication with women and providers
 Continuation of screening services
 Reporting requirements
 Any other related issues identified

Mr Hughes said that the team would focus on these issues as a priority and would report on a weekly basis. “It is important for the integrity of the national programme and for Healthcare Otago that we are in a position to assure women that the steps Healthcare Otago has taken to overcome the problems identified are both adequate and appropriate,” Mr Hughes said. “The independent review team will be in a position to give Otago and Southland women confidence that the process is being handled well.

The review team will also ensure that all women have been appropriately notified, Mr Hughes said.

Following that they would also be focusing on what further improvements need to be made to Healthcare Otago’s administrative systems in order for them to fully meet the HFA’s national quality standards for breast screening programmes.

The review team will include an epidemiologist, a radiologist, a surgeon, a consumer representative, an experienced health administrator with systems expertise, and a professional in information management, Mr Hughes said. “We are talking to people and will confirm the review team as soon as possible.”

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