Ron Paterson, currently senior lecturer at the University of Auckland law school, is to take up the position of Deputy Director-General, Safety and Regulation, in the Ministry of Health.

With a Master of Laws from Oxford University Mr Paterson has specialised in health law and ethics.

He will replace Dr Gillian Durham who leaves the Ministry to take up an academic position in Western Australia.

"I am delighted to welcome Ron back to the Ministry in such an important role," Director-General of Health Dr Karen Poutasi said.

"He brings with him broad-based knowledge and experience which gives him - and us - a valuable perspective on some of the health challenges confronting New Zealand."

Mr Paterson recently returned to New Zealand after a year as a Harkness fellow in health care policy in Washington DC. He has worked for the Ministry in a number of areas - including public health and mental health - and will take up his new role on December 1.

Dr Durham's role as Director of Public Health will be filled by Dr Lynne Lane.

Dr Lane is a public health medicine specialist who has worked with organisations including the Public Health Commission and the Central Regional Health Authority. She is at present working as a consultant. She has been an executive committee member of the Faculty of Public Health Medicine for the past four years, and Chair of the Public Health Medicine training programme since November 1997.

"Lynne has extensive experience in public health which ideally suits her for this high-profile role," Dr Poutasi said.

The Director of Public Health is responsible for advising the Director-General on public health matters including personal health and relevant regulatory issues.

Dr Lane will take up the position in mid-October.

Dr Bob Boyd, Chief Advisor Safety and Regulation, will act as Deputy Director-General Safety and Regulation Branch and Director of Public Health from September 3 till the new appointees start.

ENDS

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