Senior health professionals from across the sector are being asked to apply for membership of the newly established New Zealand Clinical Senate.

Inaugural chair Jonathan Christiansen says the Senate wants experienced practising health professionals to bring their knowledge, skills and enthusiasm to bear and take part in decision-making for the design and delivery of health services at all levels of the health system.

“Since the Senate was announced in March, I’ve been talking with lots of colleagues from all parts of the system, wanting to know how they can contribute to the new group and work to make the health system the best it can be for patients,” Jonathan says.

When formed, the Senate will be a multidisciplinary group representing clinicians providing strategic advice to the Health NZ Commissioner/Board on system-wide issues that affect quality, affordable and efficient patient care. It will work alongside existing clinical networks. 

“Key to the network’s success will be a membership that has a broad representation across the sector, including from the primary care, community, mental health, public health and other health care providers, and Māori and Pacific healthcare professionals.

“A second key factor will be that the group represents all parts of the country. Fulfilling these two core principles to achieve the right balance is why we have designed the recruitment process the way we have.”

The Senate is seeking interest from people working right across the heath system, typically not currently working for Health NZ, to fill six membership positions for each of the four regions – 24 in total.

This runs alongside a process to recruit 54 health professionals across multiple disciplines who currently work for Health NZ.

“This is an exciting opportunity for the health sector and Health NZ to do things a little differently as we continue to evolve how we deliver healthcare to communities,” Jonathan says.

For more details on the application process,  visit the Health NZ Careers website. 

Expressions of interest: Join the newly established New Zealand Clinical Senate (external link) 

These are voluntary part time positions.