New Zealander announced as next Aged Care Commissioner
The new commissioner has served as NZ’s Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner for five years.
The federal government has announced a New Zealander as the next Aged Care Commissioner.
Rae Lamb has served as New Zealand’s Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner for the past five years.
Ms Lamb has also worked as a health correspondent and she was a Harkness Fellow at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and the Harvard School of Public Health, where she researched the disclosure of medical error.
She has extensive experience in handling complaints and reviewing health and aged care regulation.
The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler welcomed Ms Lamb’s appointment, saying she would bring substantial skills and experience to the role.
“Ms Lamb is well qualified to lead the Office of the Aged Care Commissioner, which plays a critical role in promoting quality in aged care,” said Mr Butler.
“I am confident that she will use her wealth of knowledge and experience, coupled with a fresh perspective, to the benefit of both people receiving aged care and aged care providers.”
Ms Lamb was appointed through an open selection process and she will begin her new role on 5 January.
Adjunct Professor John Kelly acted as the temporary Aged Care Commissioner from May 2010 until the selection process was finalised.
The Aged Care Commissioner is a statutory appointment made under the Aged Care Act.
