Media information For immediate release
Date: 23 November 2009

New Waikato Child and Youth Health Group on the Agenda

The National Paediatric Society's annual conference taking place in Hamilton this week is perfect timing for the Waikato contingent with the launch of their new Child and Youth Governance Group.

The new group will replace Waikato District Health Board's existing child and youth health-focused steering and advisory groups to offer a more cohesive, whole approach to child and youth health.

The group will support the child and youth health sector (0-24 years) which includes about 126,174 people living in the Waikato DHB region - or 37 per cent of the region's total population.

Waikato DHB chief executive Craig Climo appointed Venetia Sherson to the role of chair of the group. Membership will rotate every two years to ensure fresh ideas are bought to the table.

"I am in full support of the new Child and Youth Governance Group formation and believe its structure will be of great benefit to Waikato children and youth," said Mr Climo.

"I am also pleased to announce Ms Sherson as the chair and have every confidence in her ability to lead the new group in making a valuable contribution to strategic direction, implementing innovative programmes and supporting primary and secondary health projects in the child and youth sector."

The structure of the newly formed groups includes membership that is appointed for particular areas of expertise, which include children's and women's health, paediatrics, Maori health, education, Ministry of Youth Development and rural and mental health.

Mr Climo said youth advisory groups, who would be consulted about issues pertinent to their relevant age groups, would further assist this group.

The National Paediatric Society's 2009 conference is being held at the University of Waikato from 24-27 November, and many members of Waikato's new governance group will be attending.

ENDS