National Screening Advisory Committee

Screening in health care has grown rapidly in recent years, and has taken on a far higher profile than was previously the case. The number of screening tests widely available has significantly increased. There is also a widely-held expectation that screening leads to better health outcomes. But, screening has the potential to cause harm, as well as to result in benefits. There is a need for independent advice that draws on a variety of points of view, and makes full use of the evidence that is accumulating.

Applications Sought for Chair, National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC)

The National Screening Advisory Committee provides advice to the Director-General of Health on screening policy and practice. This includes reviewing feasibility and effectiveness, and providing guidance on the quality assurance systems.

The Director-General is seeking applications for a new Chair of NSAC. The Chair would be appointed for a term of up to three years.

Who are we looking for?

Candidates for the position of Chair of NSAC should have backgrounds that demonstrate strong personal integrity and ethics that will enable them to meet their obligations as a board member and chairperson. Candidates will have most, if not all, of the following general attributes:

proven leadership ability
an ability to work effectively with key internal and external relationships
excellent communication skills
excellent judgement
a sound understanding of the health sector and machinery of government
an ability to understand the issues within the screening area
significant governance experience, including experience in the role of chairperson
ability to manage relationships with and between diverse and disparate parties, including government departments and other Crown agencies with shared interests, industry groups, and the NGO community
awareness of the social and policy issues relating to screening
bring to the Committee experience which will enhance existing networks and develop new networks to assist the Committee’s work.

The Process

Applications will be provided to the Director-General of Health for consideration and review. The Director-General may then request an interview with some applicants.

Remuneration

Members of NSAC receive meeting fees for attendance at quarterly meetings. These are set in accordance with the Fees Framework approved by Cabinet.

Closing Date

The closing date for nominations is 31 July 2008.

Further Information and Submission of Applications

Candidates are asked to send a completed application form, their CV (Curriculum Vitae), and any other relevant supporting documentation to:

Kara Hudson, NSAC Secretariat
National Screening Unit
Ministry of Health
PO Box 5013
Wellington

A Position Profile is available. Further information can be obtained by contacting Kara Hudson at the National Screening Unit on 04 816 4428 or by email on kara_hudson@moh.govt.nz.

Background to the National Screening Advisory Committee

In 2002, the National Health Committee (NHC) identified the wide range of screening currently undertaken in the health sector, and proposed that there should be a specific body charged with making decisions about potential and existing screening, and overseeing screening in New Zealand.¹

The National Screening Unit (NSU), a separate unit of the Ministry of Health, also identified the need for a national screening advisory body.

In addition, the Minister's Cancer Control Strategy recognises the need for a national advisory committee on cancer screening.²

The Ministry of Health examined options for such a body and recommended that a screening advisory committee should be established, reporting to the Director-General of Health. The Minister of Health subsequently endorsed the establishment of a screening advisory committee along these lines.

Role of the Committee

The National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC) advises the Director-General of Health on screening policy and practice, including cancer screening and genetic screening, by:

providing advice on screening practice (including its effectiveness, feasibility, value for money, likely harms and benefits, and impact on the health care system)
providing advice on social and ethical considerations in screening, including cultural considerations, and reducing inequalities both in access to screening and in outcomes of screening
providing advice on the systems needed in order to monitor the quality, including safety and effectiveness, of screening in New Zealand
provide advice on ways screening practice in New Zealand can maximise benefit and minimise harm
provide advice on the level of resources needed for high-quality screening.

¹ National Health Committee. 2003. Screening to Improve Health in New Zealand: criteria to assess screening programmes. Wellington: National Health Committee.

²Ministry of Health. 2003. The New Zealand Cancer Control Strategy. Wellington: Ministry of Health.