Media information For immediate release

Date: 30 April 2008

Waikato District Health Board and Tainui mental health service provider Hauora Waikato today announced the appointment of Dr Rees Tapsell as executive clinical director for forensic psychiatric services across the Midland region.

Dr Tapsell comes to the role from the Auckland Regional Forensic Psychiatry Services where he has held a number of positions over the past nine years and having held senior clinical positions with Hauora Waikato for the past six years.

Hauora Waikato chairman Wayne McLean welcomed Dr Tapsell's appointment as a significant one for iwi Tainui and an opportunity to bring specific focus on the development of appropriate and effective services for Maori.

"Maori constitute a majority of forensic psychiatric service users in the region and with the appointment of Dr Tapsell, a senior Maori forensic psychiatrist to the position this represents a momentous occasion for all iwi Maori," he said.

Health Waikato chief operating officer Jan Adams said the appointment was a significant one under the newly-established Midland Regional Forensic Governance Group which was recently constituted under a joint Agreement for Forensic Services between Hauora Waikato and Waikato District Health Board. The appointment is a milestone for Maori and non-Maori, she said.

Dr Tapsell would bring dedication and energy to the role.

Biographical information Dr Tapsell is a forensic psychiatrist of Te Arawa descent. He has experience in all aspects of forensic psychiatry and significant clinical experience in both public and private forensic psychiatric practice. As a clinical lecturer attached to the Auckland Medical School he has had an active interest in research and clinical teaching and a significant background in clinical management and governance. Dr Tapsell has a particular interest in the development of appropriate and effective services and a commitment to the ongoing quality improvement of services for all patients and their whanau.

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