For older people and frail people, the long-term benefit of medicines reduces and the potential for harm from adverse effects increases. When the benefit–risk balance changes in this way, medicine review and optimisation are important to simplify the therapeutic regimen, reduce inappropriate medicines and minimise risks. In this article, pharmacist prescriber Linda Bryant uses two case studies to illustrate important considerations during medicine reviews
Appointment of Deputy Director-General Data and Digital
Appointment of Deputy Director-General Data and Digital
The Ministry of Health has announced the appointment of Shayne Hunter to the role of Deputy Director-General Data and Digital.
Shayne has spent the last 15 years in the health and disability sector where he developed a strong a passion for information and technology enabled improvements for the system and for the health outcomes for individuals and our population.
His most recent role has been the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for Capital & Coast, Hutt Valley and Wairarapa DHBs where he’s been a member of the ELT for each district health board.
He currently chairs the Central Region DHB’s CIO group and was previously the Chair of the Health Sector National IS Leaders Forum. Prior to his role as CIO, he was based at the Ministry and led a number of national initiatives in the area of medicines management.
Shayne started his career with IBM before leaving to establish a number of start-up business based on emerging technologies. From there he has held delivery and leadership roles in government and the private sector.