Appointment of first Principal Medical Adviser

Media Release

21 December 2001

Ministry announces appointment of first Principal Medical Adviser seconded from sector

The Ministry of Health's first Principal Medical Adviser will be Auckland obstetrics and gynaecology consultant Rob Buist, Director General of Health Dr Karen Poutasi announced today.

"I'm delighted to announce the appointment of an innovative and skilled doctor to our team in this new position. Dr Buist will provide strong leadership within the Ministry of Health and valuable advice for myself and the Minister of Health."

Dr Buist is currently an obstetrics and gynaecology specialist at National Women's Hospital in Auckland and will be seconded part-time to the Ministry.

Dr Poutasi said Dr Buist would be responsible for providing advice, information, leadership and guidance on clinical matters as well as helping shape the new relationship between the Ministry and wider health and disability sector.

"The new position provides an independent interface between the Minister, the Ministry and District Health Boards as we manage or investigate significant clinical issues.

"The Principal Medical Advisor is the person who will go to the DHB concerned if a problem arises, discover precisely what the issues are, and what solutions may be needed."

Part of the Principal Medical Adviser role is to help ensure quality services across the whole country so a lot of travel is involved with the position, Dr Poutasi said.

The Principal Medical Adviser is a new part-time position in the Ministry, available for a senior clinician on secondment. Dr Buist will be an ex officio member of the Ministry's Executive Team.

Dr Buist will continue working at National Women's Hospital and his secondment to the Ministry of Health lasts for a maximum of two years. He takes up the position on February 11.

For more information contact:

Hayley Brock, Media Advisor, ph: 04-496-2115 or 025 495 989 Internet address: http://www.moh.govt.nz/media.html

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