Findings of the Independent Review Panel
Media
Release
Friday 10
September, 2010
For
immediate
release
Attention:
Health and Social Issues
Reporters
New
Zealand Psychological Society Supports Findings of the
Independent Review
Panel
The New Zealand
Psychological Society (NZPsS) is pleased that the
independent panel set up to review the clinical pathway
implemented by ACC for the management of sensitive claims
has clearly identified issues which must be addressed. The
NZPsS, along with many other agencies identified a number of
serious concerns which we considered impacted on sexual
abuse survivors and the ability of psychologists and other
practitioners to provide appropriate services. Until the
independent review validated these concerns many lay
unaddressed.
Dr Kerry Gibson, NZPsS Director of Professional Development and Training said today that there is clearly a need for a protocol for managing change in the public sector particularly when getting it wrong can have serious consequences for the health and wellbeing of the public. Vulnerable people who seek assistance should not be subjected to processes which deny them that assistance or make it so difficult for them that they choose not to receive assistance. The issues which emerged in relation to the sensitive claims clinical pathway clearly point to a need to do things differently she said.
An important part of the protocol would be to consult with and hear the concerns of consumer groups and practitioners at an early stage of the proposed change. It is also essential for an organisation like ACC to be able to acknowledge when things are not going well, move in a new and appropriate direction and avoid the need for expensive independent reviews and monitoring groups.
Dr Gibson said the most important
thing now is to ensure that those seeking ACC’s sensitive
claims assistance get the help they need as soon as
possible. Establishing protocols and processes to
effectively manage any future change is also an important
priority.
ENDS