New Clinical Chief Advisor for Primary Health Care

Clinical Chief Advisor for Primary Health Care

Chief Medical Officer Dr Andrew Simpson is pleased to announce the appointment of the Ministry of Health’s new Clinical Chief Advisor with a focus on primary health care.

“New Zealand-trained public health physician and epidemiologist, Dr Juliet Rumball-Smith, will bring a diverse range of skills and more than 17 years of sector experience that will contribute significantly to the Ministry’s work in primary health care,” says Dr Simpson.

“Dr Rumball-Smith was an outstanding applicant for this position. Her impressive background in primary health care includes experience as a researcher, practitioner and a member of collaborative partnerships with the sector. I particularly applaud her commitment to improving equity in health outcomes.

“Primary health care is a focus for the Government. This role will ensure clinical expertise and leadership contributes to the development and implementation of primary health care initiatives for New Zealand."

Dr Rumball-Smith says she is excited to take up her new role at the Ministry of Health.

“I look forward to working with the sector to support the delivery of high quality and equitable primary health care and community-based services."

The Ministry is also working with her to investigate opportunities for a sector-based clinical component to her role.

“We recognise the value in clinical leaders maintaining their connections with those working at the front-line,” says Dr Simpson.

Dr Rumball-Smith currently works for Northland District Health Board as Director of Health Intelligence and Translational Medicine, and is a member of the DHB’s Executive Leadership Team. She spent a year in the United States on a Harkness Fellowship in Healthcare Policy and Practice, returning to New Zealand last July.

She will start with the Ministry in September and will join the Office of the Chief Medical Officer, which is a key point of contact for clinical leadership and advice to the Ministry and wider health sector, alongside the Office of the Chief Nursing Officer.

ENDS

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