Associate Health Minister, David Seymour has announced a new Pharmac Community and Patient Advisory Committee (CPAC) will replace both the current Consumer Advisory Committee and the Consumer and Patient Working Group.
The Minister confirmed an interim Consumer Advisory Committee will advise on the development and establishment of the CPAC, including its terms of reference, engagement approach, and implementation arrangements.
Pharmac will begin recruiting members for the new Committee in October, with the committee expected to be established in the New Year.
To find out more or register your interest, email cac@pharmac.govt.nz.
The interim CAC members joining the committee are:
- Georgina Johnson (co-chair),
- LJ Apaipo,
- Pui-yi Cheng,
The CAP members joining are:
- Dr Malcolm Mulholland (co-chair),
- Tim Edmonds,
- Chris Higgins, and
- Tracy Tierney
“When new leadership took over Pharmac they set out to change the culture. It was clear that Pharmac could provide a better service for Kiwis. They came up with a 5-year plan to take Pharmac to the level Kiwis deserve. To inform the plan Pharmac conducted a number of reviews, engaged with the patient community, and took part in workshops,” Mr Seymour says.
“Earlier this year first 12-month phase of that plan was completed. The Consumer Working Group transformed the patient-Pharmac relationship. Dr Mulholland and all members of the Working Group did a great job. The work done to reset the relationship between Pharmac and the patient community is a big reason for the change in Pharmac’s culture.
“Patients and consumers told us that Pharmac needed to reconsider its consumer advisory function to make sure it continues to work well for patients.
“Day-to-day engagement on Pharmac’s work will be led by Pharmac’s new Consumer Relations team, working directly with consumer and patient advocates on specific issues.
“These changes mean Pharmac can hear from people earlier and more often,” he said.
Member bios can be viewed here: https://www.pharmac.govt.nz/about/expert-advice/interim-consumer-transition-committee-ictc.
