Senior Health Leader Appointed to HQ&SC

Media Release
Tuesday 18 January 2011

Senior Health Leader Appointed to Health Quality & Safety Commission

Dr Janice Wilson has been appointed as Chief Executive of the Health Quality & Safety Commission – set up to implement the Government’s focus on safer health services for all New Zealanders.

Commission Chair Professor Alan Merry says he’s delighted to welcome Dr Wilson to the Commission that was set up late last year – she is currently Deputy Director-General of Population Health at the Ministry of Health.

“We are lucky to have someone of Janice’s skill and experience in the role,” says Prof Merry. “Her credentials and reputation as a clinician and a health system administrator are impeccable and essential for this key sector leadership role.”

Dr Wilson says she’s excited by the opportunity to focus on an area that has been a strong interest for her throughout her career.

“Making our health system safer through strong quality and safety programmes will make a significant difference to patient care,” says Dr Wilson.

“There are three areas central to improving quality, ensuring safety and creating a culture that supports this: active consumer and staff participation; strong clinical and managerial leadership, and supporting information that is available and readily used by clinicians, managers, staff and service users.

“Creating a culture of continuous quality improvement will take time and effort,” says Dr Wilson. “I’m excited to be part of this new and specialised Commission that has been set up to focus on this important area of work.”

Dr Wilson is currently on leave and will take up her new role on Wednesday 16 February 2011.

ENDS

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