Appointment of Chief Medical Officer

Appointment of Chief Medical Officer

From Kevin Woods, Director-General of Health

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Don Mackie as the Ministry of Health’s Chief Medical Officer, and head of the Ministry’s recently established Clinical Leadership, Protection and Regulation Business Unit - CLPR.

Dr Mackie’s appointment reflects the importance of clinical leadership in a sustainable and vibrant health system. As CMO, he will provide § support and advice on clinical matters to me as Director-General and other key stakeholders § clinical leadership and direction § expert input into health services planning

"I am delighted that we have been able to appoint Dr Mackie as CMO. Don brings a wealth of experience which will be of benefit to the Ministry and the wider health sector," says Mr Woods.

Dr Mackie will also lead the CLPR Business Unit established earlier this year to provide clinical leadership into the Ministry’s policy and operational work. The Unit is also accountable for key statutory health protection functions, particularly in Public Health and Mental Health.

With a clinical background in anaesthesia and the management of emergency medicine, Dr Mackie joins the Ministry having been Chief Medical Officer at Counties Manukau District Health Board since October 2005 and chair of the national Chief Medical Adviser’s group since October 2007.

Before that he had extensive clinical experience in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. He has also held clinical teaching and academic posts in the United States.

“I’m excited by the clinical leadership dimension of this new role,” says Dr Mackie, “and the opportunity to work with the medical community on the very real challenges we face as a sector.”

“I’ve been involved in a number of national health activities related to workforce, professional development and regulation and am looking forward to the work ahead.”

Dr Mackie starts his new role on 1 August 2011.

(ends)

© Scoop Media