She also led a Lancet Oncology series on cancer in small island developing states. This would have allowed the Director-General to focus more specifically on the primary responsibilities of the role as chief executive of the Ministry of Health, including the medium and long-term sustainability of the public health system. She has been appointed for five years from 1 December. Health New Zealand made its first permanent appointment on 22 June 2022. For three years, 2006-2009, she was Regional Director of Training at the Australasian College of Public Health Medicine. Photo: Pool/Robert Kitchin, Stuff. The Director-General of Health is a pivotal role leading a sector critical to the overall wellbeing of New Zealanders. [6], In the 2023 New Year Honours, McElnay was appointed a Companion of the Queen's Service Order, for services to public health. Her role at Manat Hauora has involved looking after the machinery of government and integrity processes associated with supporting Ministers, the Director-General and the Executive Team. At the same time, however, the minister was required to have regard to the advice of the Director-General. [30], Bloomfield is to become the first professor of a new Public Policy Impact Institute at the University of Auckland's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. [3][4][6], Bloomfield grew up in Tawa, a suburb of Wellington, and was educated at Scots College, where he was head prefect,[3] dux, played 1st XV rugby[7] and was a member of the cast of the college's production of Oklahoma! [1] She was the director of public health for the New Zealand Ministry of Health from 2016 to 2022, and chaired the Pandemic Influenza Technical Advisory Group, which advises the Ministry on matters concerning the control of the COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand. Dr Nicholas Jones was announced on Monday as the new director of public health at the NZ Ministry of Health. She is currently a commissioner for the Lancet Commission on Health Systems and Cancer, a member of the International Advisory Committee to Lancet Oncology, a member of the Board of the International Cancer Benchmarking Programme (ICBP), and a member of the Advisory Committee to the International Agency for Research on Cancers (IARC) Pacific cancer hub. A national system was set up quickly so critical details could be more easily shared, as well as the workload. Prior to this Dr Sarfati was National Director of Cancer Control at the Ministry of Health to oversee the implementation of the agency. He has previously had roles as General Manager of Clinical Service at Northland DHB, General Manager of Planning and Funding at Capital & Coast DHB, Clinical Advisor and GP Liaison, Northland DHB, and 11 years in his own General Practices. The Deputy Public Service Commissioner has today announced the appointment of Dr Diana Sarfati as Acting Director-General of Health and Chief Executive, Ministry of Health. But, sadly, yet again, rather than rely on previous practice or international advice, this Government thought it knew best. Robyn has worked in the health sector for over 30 years. The Covid-19 emergency legislation was due to expire next May after two years, but the Government has recently introduced legislation to extend it for a further year. "Dr Jones is very well-respected in the health sector, and he brings considerable experience and knowledge with him.". Director, Intelligence - Dr Juliet Rumball-Smith. Dean has led the analytics function across the Ministry, focussing on growing capability and standardising the way in which analytics and analysis are created and used. Markerita has also worked as the Director of Pacific Health for the Northern Region Health Coordination Centre where she led the regional (from Northland to Counties Manukau) approach to the Pacific health response to COVID-19 and partnered with the Pacific Provider Collective to develop a regional commissioning framework to deliver adaptive models of care. As the chief steward for the health system, the Ministry will continue to set the strategic direction for health and will be responsible for developing national policy, regulation and monitoring. Diana is a public health physician, cancer epidemiologist and health services researcher, and she has a PhD from the University of Otago. Lorraine (Tapuika, Ngti Pikiao, Ngiterangi, Ngti Ranginui, Ngti Kahu) has a strong clinical and academic background in nursing leadership. In that regard, and in fairness to the Director-General, ministers need to be thinking about severing the umbilical cord that binds them sooner rather than later, and certainly well before May 2023. [4], "Confirmed coronavirus cases rise by 61, bringing total to 708", "Coronavirus: Meet the experts advising the NZ Government on Covid-19", "Caroline McElnay - piloting the pandemic response", "Meet the Irish woman near the top of New Zealand's Covid-19 response", "McElnay: Building the fence at the top of the cliff", "Public health exodus: Chiefs Caroline McElnay, Niki Stefanogiannis join Ashley Bloomfield in departing from Ministry of Health", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Caroline_McElnay&oldid=1130840829. This was seen as more in line in with conventional practice, and consistent with the traditional relationship between ministers and chief executives. Find out what support is available near you. 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[1] She was the director of public health for the New Zealand Ministry of Health from 2016 to 2022, and chaired the Pandemic Influenza Technical Advisory Group, which advises the Ministry on matters concerning the control of the COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand. Details of expenditure for the Director-General of Health. Dr Jacobs was previously the WHO Representative to Lao People's Democratic Republic from . She has over 25 years experience in the health and disability sector, including 15 years clinical practice in hospitals and in primary and community care. Maree held several senior roles in the Ministry for Social Development in Policy and Service Delivery and in the Ministry for Children. New Zealand Doctor Online is not a consumer medical advice service. Interim Director, Prevention Astrid Koornneef, Maria Lafaele, Interim Pacific Lead, Directors Office, Tofilau Talalelei Taufale, Interim National Pacific Health Commissioning Lead and Pacific Lead RSE and Transformation, Pauline Fuimaono Sanders, Interim National Pacific Health Workforce Lead, Teei Kaiaruna, Interim National Pacific Integrated Contracts Sprint Lead, Namoe Tuipulotu, Interim National Pacific Intelligence Lead, Amanaki Misa, Interim Hospital Services Re-design Lead (Te Waipounamu), Director, Intelligence Dr Juliet Rumball-Smith, see NPHS regional structure under 'Regional leadership' below, Interim Lead - Hospital and Specialist Services, Te Tai Tokerau Northland Tracey Schiebli(1 Jan - 30 June 2023), Interim Lead - Hospital and Specialist Services, Te Toka Tumai Auckland Dr Mike Shepherd(1 Jan - 30 June 2023), Interim Lead - Hospital and Specialist Services, Counties Manukau Dr Vanessa Thornton(1 Jan - 30 June 2023), Interim Lead - Hospital and Specialist Services, Waitemat Mark Shepherd(until new appt. Fepuleai is an honorific (or chief title) from her family village of Saleaula, Savaii, Samoa. Dr Nicholas Jones will take on the role as director of public health, the Ministry of Health has announced. McElnay, C., & Hawke's Bay District Health Board,. He was appointed to the role of Clinical Informatics Director for Te Toka Tumai in 2020, and Interim Chief Digital Officer in 2022. She is a partnerships specialist and has a background in law and Pacific development. [7], McElnay later moved with her husband to Napier in 1995. From January 2020 he was seconded to the COVID-19 response for the Northern Region of New Zealand, becoming the Chief Clinical Officer in February 2022. That is all very well but the far stronger counter argument is that it is in precisely such circumstances that the normal rules should be adhered to ensure that the best decisions are reached. Salary: NZ$67,497 Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) Avg. While youre here would you like to sign up to any of our other email newsletters? Diana was previously Tumuaki, Chief Executive & National Director of Te Aho o Te Kahu - Cancer Control Agency and prior to that shewas National Director of Cancer Control at the Ministry of Health where she oversaw the implementation of the agency. Dr Ashley Bloomfield is stepping down as Director-General of Health. [10], From late 2010 to late 2011, based at the World Health Organization in Geneva, Bloomfield worked on non-communicable disease prevention and control with a global focus. She is very knowledgeable about the health reforms and is dedicated to improving equity of outcomes in the health system.. Dr Sarfati will act in the role until a permanent appointee takes up the Director-General position. She joined the Ministry from Te Arawa Whnau Ora where she was Chief Executive. Dr Sarfati will act in the role until a permanent appointee takes up the Director-General position. He is passionate about the health reforms and the unique opportunity offered for all involved to reshape the system to better meet New Zealanders needs. Dr Tukuitonga, from the Pacific island of Niue, was formerly the Director of SPC's Public Health Division. One of the strengths of the senior public service in New Zealand has been the collegiality between departmental chief executives and their senior managers across the spectrum, where they have mutually supported and encouraged each other when challenging situations arise to ensure that they always act within the public service ethos. Dr Sarfati has a PhD from the University of Otago, is NZ College of Public Health Medicine Fellow and until 2008 was a Fellow of the Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine. Ms Quilter said Dr Sarfati brings the skills and experience required to lead the Ministry of Health, and to contribute to the strategic leadership of the wider health system. Diana is a public health physician, cancer epidemiologist and health services researcher, and she has a PhD from the University of Otago. That is no real surprise but will exacerbate the situation that has been allowed to develop with the Director-General. Martin has over 25 years of health experience in a range of roles in both the USA and New Zealand and has filled a variety of clinical, managerial and strategic leadership roles. The Public Health Agency formally came into existence on 1 July 2022. Fionnagh is a Member of the Health Roundtable and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. This provision was designed with a short-term national health crisis in mind and was the initial authority that the Government turned to when Covid-19 broke out. Between 2015 and 2019 Dr Sarfati was co-head and then head of the University of Otagos Department of Public Health. Start your day with a curation of our top stories in your inbox, Help us create a sustainable future for independent local journalism. She is experienced in change leadership, Pacific health equity and designing new models of care with communities. Reintegrating him back into the normal role of a normal chief executive will be a delicate task. 21 Jun, 2022 06:30 PM 3 mins to read. Reader donations are critical to what we do. The Ministry of Health says there is no evidence of community transmission in the country. Interim Director, Outbreak Response - Matt Hannant. Photo / Michael Cunningham. A new Director of Public Health has been appointed and will join Manat Hauora on 15 August, Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield says. Dr Sarfati will start on 30 July 2022, when the incumbent Dr Ashley Bloomfield leaves the role. Before New Zealand had its first case of Covid-19, back when it was referred to simply as a coronavirus (WHO would name it Covid-19 on 12 February 2020), Bloomfield and director of public health . Dr Sarfati is currently the Acting Director-General of Health and Chief Executive, Ministry for Health, a role she has held since July 2022. Head of WHO Office. He looks forward to building a strong and effective team to strengthen and nationalise our public health services. As Deputy Director General, Dean and his teams are working with colleagues across the health system to ensure evidence, research and innovation are embedded in the way we collectively deliver our work. Fionnagh has also been Adjunct Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland and a Past President of Children's Healthcare Australasia. Dr Nick Chamberlain, who has been the chief executive of the Northland District Health Board since 2011, will be the national director of the new national public health service from 1 July. She has a very strong focus on transformation of health structures to reflect Te Tiriti in both action and equity. No longer does he appear as the impartial adviser offering considered, detached professional advice to the Government, but rather more as the explainer, amplifier, and defender of the Government decisions, in a manner that not even many ministers demonstrate. He joined Hawkes Bay DHB in 2009 as a Public Health Physician and Medical Officer of Health after four years working at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health New Zealand has announced the significant appointment of Dr Nick Chamberlain as the National Director of the new National Public Health Service. The ministry said in a statement that a process was underway to recruit a new Director of Public Health, but Dr Jim Miller, from Toi te Ora Public Health, Bay of Plenty DHB, would be the acting director from April 11. Government appoints new Director General of Health Stacey Kirk 14:47, May 22 2018 RACHEL THOMAS/STUFF DHB chief executive Dr Ashley Bloomfield has been made Director General of Health.. With the Government having decided in the middle of the pandemic to completely upend the organisation of the public health system over the next two to three years, and the current mounting crisis regarding the availability of intensive care beds, it would not be unreasonable to expect the Director-General to be at the centre of all those issues, but there currently seems to be a vacuum of official leadership or even interest in these matters. Prior to this, he has held a series of senior public health leadership roles. We will miss her greatly," said a ministry email in February, obtained by the Herald, and written by McElnay. This follows the director general of health's surprise resignation that was announced earlier today, with his last day at the end of July. [32], Member of the Order of the British Empire, Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, University of Auckland's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, "Covid 19 coronavirus: Ashley Bloomfield stuns boy, 6, with handwritten response to letter", "Dr Ashley Bloomfield asked burning questions in final AM interview, reveals star sign", "Ashley Bloomfield's rise to the top the inside story", "Covid-19 coronavirus: Inside Dr Ashley Bloomfield's work and family bubble", "Hilary Barry shares photo of teen Ashley Bloomfield performing in 1983 school production of Oklahoma! Jacinda Ardern says a change in Covid-19 traffic light settings would not make a significant difference on surging case numbers. Over her career, Maree has had a variety of roles including as a Private Secretary, managing employment and skills policy in the Department of Labour, and working for the Ministry of Education in Christchurch following the earthquakes. Signal to noise - is AM radio really under threat. Her last day in the role was 7 April. Earlier today Bloomfield said he had received positive feedback from the public, and while there were some vitriolic responses, much worse had been directed at female colleagues - though he didn't name anyone. Bloomfield chose the nickname "The Eliminator" for the match, in which he opened the scoring with the first try. [10], Colleagues describe Bloomfield as "measured, methodical, calm and sensible". The role of Director is critical in leading, managing and delivering the commitments made by government to support small businesses in New Zealand. Nicola Hill will act as Chief Executive of the Cancer Control Agency while Dr Sarfati is acting Director-General of Health. McElnay plans to spend the next six months travelling, according to a ministry email obtained by the Herald and written by deputy director general of population health Deborah Woodley. "After five years in the role of director of public health and five years of commuting from her Napier home Caroline has decided the time is now right for her to explore new opportunities and, initially, a wonderful six months of travel with her husband," Woodley said. She studied medicine at Queen's University Belfast and then public health at the University of Manchester. This campaign aims to reduce low-value health care and improve patient experiences. He is a proud generalist, enjoying the challenge of the variety of presentations that are seen in primary care. [3] Dr Jones has worked in public health for more than 30 years and has been part of the DHB executive leadership team as Health Improvement and Equity clinical director. Fionnagh brings a clinical background to her work. She is a decisive health system leader with highly developed strategic thinking and transformational leadership skills, and has a strong drive to deliver equity and service excellence. Northland . Dr Diana Sarfati was appointed to the role of Director-General of Health and Chief Executive of the Ministry of Health in November 2022 having acted in the role since July 2022. [3], Bloomfield completed several years of clinical work and from 1996[10] specialised in public health medicine,[11] concentrating on non-communicable diseases. Dr Nicholas Jones, who is currently Clinical Director and Medical Officer of Health at Te Whatu Ora Te Matau a Mui, Hawke's Bay, will take up the role based in the Public Health Agency. In legal and statutory terms, the phrase have regard to generally means that the minister, must specifically and separately listen to the advice being proffered. [14], Between 2004 and 2006, Bloomfield was the Ministry of Health's acting director of public health. by section 111(1) of the New Zealand Public Health and Disability Act 2000 (2000 No 91). Hitting "such high vaccination rates" had been a particular highlight, he said, including the high uptake for Mori and Pasifika aged 65 and older. She went on to hold senior leadership roles within ACC, and then in ESR as General Manager People and Communications, before joining Manat Hauora as the Group Manager People and Capability. He would also bed in the reforms as he was staying on as director general until July 29. Dr Sarfati holds Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Public Health and Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degrees from the University of Otago. Deputy Director of Public Health Jun 2018 - Apr 20223 years 11 months Wellington, New Zealand Principal Technical Specialist Feb 2013 - Jun 20185 years 5 months Wellington, New Zealand. see NPHS regional structure under 'Regional leadership' below. It is an inevitable consequence of the Governments too narrow focus from the outset of treating Covid-19 solely as a public health issue. Celia has a background as an organisational psychologist, with over 12 years delivering organisational development consultancy services across the public and private sectors. In 2018, he was acknowledged in parliament for his work in successfully negotiating a $100 million Treaty of Waitangi settlement for Ng Iwi me Ng Hap o Te Rohe o Te Wairoa this was the culmination of over 30 years work. This includes roles at the Ministry of Health (Deputy Director-General of Health), Counties Manukau District Health Board, Capital & Coast District Health Board, Labour Market Policy Group (Department of Labour) and Health Funding Authority. Margie's most recent role was as Chief Executive Officer, Counties Manukau Health. ", "Covid 19 coronavirus: Ashley Bloomfield apologises to MPs for giving wrong information on infected UN staffer", "Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield to step down from role", "Dr Ashley Bloomfield orders 14 councils' water supplies to be fluoridated", "Ashley Bloomfield appointed University of Auckland professor", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ashley_Bloomfield&oldid=1132654386, This page was last edited on 9 January 2023, at 22:39. She has been Chief Executive of Te Aho o Te Kahu, the Cancer Control Agency since May 2020. In a career which also includes banking and insurance, Rosalies most recent roles prior to joining us as CFO have included serving as chief financial officer for Te Whatu Ora Capital, Coast and Hutt Valley, and Auckland and Waitemat. The PM has the communication skills to give New Zealanders confidence we can start soon to reopen our economy and country, but needs to employ them soon, writes Peter Dunne. Perhaps in part due to the relative effectiveness of the COVID-19 measures taken by the New Zealand Government, Bloomfield has developed a cult following. Last weekend, the Director-General announced that the country should not expect to ever return to Alert Level 1 the way it used to be. Sarahs current responsibilities include the operating model for the Ministry in the new system and the organisational design required to support it. He served as the chief executive of the Ministry of Health and the country's Director-General of Health from 2018 to 2022. Her work has been focused on health systems, addressing inequity in health and cancer. Specializing in Health Promotion, and Public health project designing, service delivery and leadership. Dr Diana Sarfati, Director-General of Health and Chief Executive, Ministry of Health. Given the governments constant and frequently stated position that its Covid-19 response has always followed the public health advice, the legal niceties of the Covid-19 emergency legislation notwithstanding, the reality has been that the Director-Generals advice has normally prevailed. Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins gave a personal thank you to the person he said Kiwis knew as "the DG". Uncertainty about upcoming health sector reforms may also have been a factor, with the ministry being moved into a strategy and monitoring role while Health NZ will run the health system. The fact that there has been no official rejection of his comment suggests it is in fact government policy, so he was either making public something that had already been decided but not yet announced, or, worse, that he was telling the nation and the government at the same time what he expected to be the case. But he was happy for him because he "thoroughly" deserved a break. One of the more interesting aspects of the course of the Covid-19 pandemic in New Zealand since March 2020 has been the development of the role of the Director-General of Health. The Deputy Public Service Commissioner has today announced the appointment ofDr Diana Sarfati as Director-General of Health and Chief Executive, Ministry ofHealth. Abbe brings considerable experience in a diverse range of hospital and primary care systems, including two decades leading complex system reforms. But it was also a very different role to the one he came into four years ago, and the timing was good for someone new to come in, Bloomfield said. The Director-General of Health is a pivotal role leading a sector critical to the overall wellbeing of New Zealanders. [31], In the 2023 New Year Honours, Bloomfield was appointed a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to public health. Avg. [12] From 2012 to 2015, he held leading positions across district health boards with Capital & Coast District, Hutt Valley, and Wairarapa. She was also joint Associate Director of Nursing: Mori at Auckland District Health Board and the University of Auckland for four years. [5] While at the board she was involved in the response to Havelock North's gastro outbreak, the first case of the SARS virus in New Zealand and a listeria outbreak. During this time, she grew Te Pou to be internationally recognised for evidence-based workforce and information/research programmes in mental health, addiction and disability and she created strong sector partnerships to enhance peoples lives through service improvement. In many ways, the unhealthy relationship between ministers and the Director-General undermines the usual separation between ministers and officials and, by extension, the impartiality of the public service. The estimated total pay for a Director of Public Health is $96,248 per year in the United States area, with an average salary of $78,374 per year. In November 2020, Dr Jones was awarded a New Zealand Public Service Medal Award for his exceptional contribution to health in Hawkes Bay. 1 minute to Read. [2] Celia has extensive experience in people strategy, policy development and implementation of organisation-wide initiatives, along with strong technical expertise in organisational and capability development, culture change and employee engagement. Implementation of the Integrated Primary Mental Health and Addiction programme across metro Auckland is well under way. The role of Director of Public Health was previously held by Dr Caroline McElnay, who resigned in April 2022 after holding the role for five years, including two years of the COVID-19 outbreak. Margie started her career in the State Services Commission. A new director of public health has been announced by the Ministry of Health. This article, written by David Codyre, Ainsleigh Cribb-Sua and David Todd, outlines progress in rollout, challenges faced and what is being learnt, Health priorities of older adults often include longevity, however health outcomes such as quality of life and independence are often considered to be as important or more important than a long life. Dr Jones has worked for Te Whatu Ora Te Matau a Mui, Hawke's Bay (Hawke's Bay. Renewed council efforts to control Otagos most notorious pest are not equal to the task of keeping rabbit numbers down a review has found. She completed her Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) at the University of Otago in 1991. The Director of Public Health is a key statutory role providing public health leadership across the Public Health Agency and the National Public Health Service within Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand), and provides professional support and oversight for Medical Officers of Health. As the Acting Director-General, Dr Sarfati has focused on implementing and embedding the health system reforms. She completed her Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) at the University of Otago in 1991. Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield revealed that the new director of public health would be Dr Nicholas Jones. A weekly digest of the latest news and insights on climate change and sustainability. Award-winning author and writer Steve Braunias brings you the best literary coverage in NZ with reviews, essays, and yarns to entertain and inform you every Saturday. John is affiliated to Ngti Rkaipaaka, Ngti Kahungunu and Ngti Rongomaiwahine. Use of this site implies acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Statement. I am delighted to have Dr Jones join the team and am very much looking forward to working with him.. Salary: NZ$71,000. [17] In the first half of 2018, Bloomfield was seconded to the Capital & Coast District Health Board where he was interim chief executive. Bloomfield was born in Napier[1] in March 1966,[2] one of three children of Allan Olaf Bloomfield and Myreine Alice Bloomfield (ne Osborne).