Media release from the NZ Guidelines Group

The New Zealand Guidelines Group welcomes today's announcement of the new independent Health Quality and Safety Commission by Health Minister, Hon Tony Ryall.

The Group's Chairman, Dr Jim Vause, says the Commission has real potential to make a significant and ongoing impact on the quality of health care delivery in this country.

"A high quality health care system has a focus on best practice and the achievement of appropriate standards of care. The Commission will need the support of a strong evidence -base when it makes decisions that seek to assure quality and direct improvements in the delivery of care.  A commitment to evidence-based quality will ensure that the Commission will be recognised as a leader in quality, both nationally and internationally." he says.

The New Zealand Guidelines Group is the main provider of evidence-based health guidance in the country and works closely with international evidence organisations..

"We look forward to working closely with the Commission.  We anticipate we will share a commitment to improving the quality of care received by New Zealanders and that this can be done by improving the use of reliable evidence" says Dr Vause

Access to guidance from the New Zealand Guidelines Group is from their website:  www.nzgg.org.nz.