Sensitive claims review announced

A press release from the National Government by Nick Smith

Minister for ACC Nick Smith today announced the panel and terms of reference for an independent clinical review into ACC’s new approach to managing sensitive claims.
“Last October ACC changed its approach to managing sensitive claims in response to more than four years research work from Massey University into best practice clinical guidelines,” Dr Smith said. “These guidelines were launched in March 2008 by the previous Government.
“These changes have never been about costs savings. I have repeatedly stressed to the corporation that the focus must be on delivering to victims of sexual abuse or assault that have a mental injury the best help available to achieve a timely and successful recovery.
“I have been very hesitant as a politician to interfere in clinical decisions but acknowledge the changes have caused controversy. That is why I have initiated this independent clinical review to ensure best possible practice in this sensitive area.
“The members of the review panel have the necessary skills and experience to bring a fresh and independent perspective to this difficult area of ACC’s work. I expect the group to report back to me by July.
“The review panel is to be chaired by former Mental Health Commissioner Dr Barbara Disley and includes clinical psychologist Clive Banks, consultant Ruth Herbert and psychiatrist Professor Graham Mellsop.”

Biographies of Review Panel
Dr Barbara Disley, PhD
Dr Disley has worked extensively in the areas of mental health and education. She was the Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation (1991-1996 and Deputy CEO 1989-1991). As Executive Chair of the Mental Health Commission (1996-2002), Dr Disley reported directly to the Minister of Health, providing advice and monitoring the provision of mental health services in New Zealand. In her role as Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Education (2002-2007), Dr Disley was responsible for the results, budget and overall management of the Group Special Education, a special education service for children and young people aged between 0-21 years. A Churchill Fellow and a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Management, she was made a life member of the New Zealand Association of Adolescent Health and Development for her outstanding contribution to the promotion of healthy development of rangatahi/young New Zealanders. In 2005 Dr Disley received The Mental Health Services (THEMHS) individual award for exceptional contribution to Mental Health Services in New Zealand.

Clive Banks, BA (Sociology and Psychology), MA (Clinical Psychology), PGDipClPs, FNZCCP
Clive Banks is a clinical physiologist of Ngati Porou iwi and his interest and expertise lies in Maori mental health. He is a Fellow of the New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists and the Cultural Advisor on their National Executive. His clinical experience covers most mental disorders, with a particular interest in the effects of trauma symptoms and trans-cultural psychology. Mr Banks' background includes the training of students in cognitive behavioural interventions, the use of Maori models with Maori, providing assessments, second opinions of complex cases and supervising and training other clinicians. He worked as a clinical psychologist at Te Ware Marie (1996-2004) and was a consultant clinical psychologist with the Regional Personality Disorder Service in Capital Coast Health (2005-2006). In his current position as site manager and consultant clinical psychologist of Tu Te Wehi: a primary mental health service, he is able to focus on helping Maori and Pacific people.

Ruth Herbert, MPP, Cert Health Economics, Cert Social and Community Work
Ruth Herbert's background is in community work and community development. Under the nom de plume of Lorraine Webb (to hide from a violent ex-partner) she led a high profile, controversial campaign and wrote the book "Cot Death in New Zealand" in the 1980s. Since 1995, Ms Herbert has run her own consultancy specializing in strategy, implementation and evaluation management services. She has managed large projects for the New Zealand National Cervical Screening Programme, the Cancer Control Council, Breastscreen Aotearoa, the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme and the Ministry of Health. Over the past five years Ruth has been recognised as a national figure in anti-domestic violence activities. She was awarded the Victoria University School of Government 2008 Holmes Prize in Public Policy for "the best research thesis on an issue of public policy or public management of importance to New Zealand" for her evaluation of New Zealand's family violence strategies.

Professor Graham Mellsop, MB, ChB (Otago), DPM, MD (Melb), FRANZCP
Professor Mellsop's expertise in mental health is based on 40 years of experience in the field of psychiatry. He has special interests in classification of psychiatric disorders, outcomes, culture and mental health service design. Currently working for Waikato Clinical School of Auckland University as Professor of Psychiatry. Professor Mellsop has authored more than150 research papers and publications on psychiatric disorders and has shared his expertise as a (guest) speaker at a variety of international mental health conferences. His professional background includes providing expert advice at Board/Committee level for mental health services, hospitals and at psychiatric units in Australia, New Zealand, a variety of Asian Pacific countries and to the World Health Organisation. Graham's recent positions include: Professor and Head of the South Auckland Clinical School, Faculty Mental and Health Services (2000-2004) and Clinical Services Director Mental Health Services at Health Waikato (1997-2000). Professor Mellsop holds a Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and was elected as Distinguished Fellow, Pacific Rim of Psychiatrists in recognition of achievements, contributions and leadership in the field of psychiatry.

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