New Kiwi President of College of Psychiatrists welcomed

16 September 2013

New Kiwi President of College of Psychiatrists welcomed at Auckland conference

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists is very pleased to congratulate Dr Murray Patton who celebrates his new role as President of the College at the annual NZ psychiatry conference after serving two years as President-Elect.

Dr Murray Patton graduated from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB) in 1981, and gained his Fellowship of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists in 1989. Dr Patton has held senior roles in services in New Zealand and Australia. He is now Clinical Director of Mental Health and Addictions Services and Director of Area Mental Health Services with Waitemata District Health Board (DHB) which serves the largest district health board population in New Zealand; and is also acting as Clinical Advisor to the General Manager of Mental Health Services in Northland DHB, serving one of the smallest but most geographically dispersed DHB populations. Dr Patton has practised predominantly in the public sector as an adult psychiatrist, whilst maintaining a small private consulting practice offering expert advice to the Health and Disability Commissioner and assisting with service reviews for other District Health Boards.

Dr Patton has taken on a number of roles within The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists over many years, including most recently as a member of General Council since 2009, and chairing the Board of Practice, Policy and Partnerships (2009– 2011). In 2012 he completed the AICD Company Directors’ course. With a focus on the delivery of quality health services, Dr Patton has been strongly supportive of consumer and carer involvement in mental health service provision and in the participation of community members in College activities.

‘I am very excited to be leading the College at this time, especially as we celebrate our 50th anniversary’ said Dr Patton.

‘I would like to thank the former Executive Officers who made my term as President-Elect such a positive experience, and I particularly want to pay tribute to our Immediate Past President, Dr Maria Tomasic, who showed such tremendous skill in leading the College and building our reputation locally and internationally over an extended term.

‘We have recently made some important changes to the way in which our members can contribute to our direction and I am eager to build on these foundations. We have a new Board and I am confident we are all looking forward to engaging with our members and preparing the RANZCP for its next 50 years as a collegiate organisation.’

Celebrating 50 years in 2013, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) prepares medical specialists in the field of psychiatry; supports and enhances clinical practice; advocates for people affected by mental illness and advises governments on mental health care. For information about our work, our members, or our history visit www.ranzcp.org

ENDS

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