Remembering leadership and compassion of Dr Peter Foley

Commission remembers strong leadership and compassion of Dr Peter Foley

The Board and staff of the Health Quality & Safety Commission are immensely saddened by news of the death of Dr Peter Foley.

Deputy Chair of the Commission since its establishment in 2010, Dr Foley made a strong contribution to the direction of the organisation.

“Peter provided leadership, strategic-level thinking, and insight into dealing with health systems, both as a practitioner and at a ‘big-picture’ level,” says Dr Janice Wilson, Chief Executive of the Commission.

His experience working with individuals and communities was extensive and he had a particular focus on having patients at the centre of care. This is now a key area of the Commission’s work, with the establishment of the ‘Partners in Care’ consumer engagement programme.

“Peter strove for quality in the health care sector, and held a firm belief in the ability of clinical leadership to drive quality improvement and development of health services.”

Dr Foley worked tirelessly to improve health services for patients and their families, and in recognition of his hard work he was made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2012 Queen’s Birthday and Diamond Jubilee Honours list.

During his career Dr Foley held many leadership roles including Chief Medical Officer of Primary Care at the Hawke’s Bay District Health Board. He also served as Chair of both the New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) and the NZMA General Practitioner Council, and was the inaugural Chair of the General Practice Leaders Forum.

“Peter’s passion for the work of the Commission will be missed, but we will endeavour to keep his dedication and commitment alive through our focus on improving the quality of care for patients and their families,” says Dr Wilson.

ENDS

© Scoop Media