“Welcome to New Zealand!”

“Welcome to New Zealand!” RMO Orientation

Outline NZ potted history The Treaty of Waitangi Accident Compensation Corporation The Health and Disability Commissioner The Medical Council of New Zealand The Coroner Health Information Privacy Code

NZ potted history • Maaori settlement The Maaori people are Polynesians. Recent research confirms that these first settlers probably arrived from Polynesia between 1200 and 1300 AD. They lived in tribal groups, gardening, catching birds and fish, and making tools, weapons and ornaments. • The first Europeans The Dutch explorer Abel Tasman was the first European to discover New Zealand, in 1642. The English navigator James Cook mapped the country in 1769–70. After this, sealers, whalers and traders arrived. Beginning in 1814, missionaries tried to convert Maaori to Christianity, and taught them farming skills, reading and writing.

NZ potted history • 1840s–1850s: a new British colony As more settlers arrived, the British government decided to take control of New Zealand. In 1840, Maaori signed the Treaty of Waitangi with representatives of the British Queen, who sought sovereignty over the country. In return the Queen’s representatives promised Maaori ownership of their land, and the rights of British citizens. • 1860s–1880s: conflict and growth Maaori were pressured to sell their land for settlements. In the 1860s, war broke out, and land was confiscated or bought. New Zealand made money selling its wool and gold overseas. In the 1870s, the government helped thousands of British people start a new life in New Zealand. Railways were built and towns sprang up or expanded.

NZ potted history • 1890s–1945: social change and war In 1893 New Zealand became the first country to give women the vote, among other liberal reforms. In the First World War, it joined Britain in the fight against Germany. In the 1920s and 1930s many New Zealanders suffered hardship in a world-wide depression. They voted for a Labour government which passed laws aimed at giving everyone a decent standard of living. During the Second World War, New Zealand troops again served overseas. • The later 20th century From the 1950s, New Zealand widened its outlook beyond Britain, which had been the main market for the country’s meat, wool, butter and cheese. It began to sell its goods to many different countries, and was increasingly influenced by the United States. At the same time, it kept its identity as an independent nation.

NZ potted history • Changes for Maaori Many Maaori moved to the cities after the Second World War. It was not until 1975 that their concerns about their treatment by the government began to be taken seriously. From about this time Maaori began reviving their language and culture. • A more diverse nation For a long time New Zealand wanted to remain ‘white’. But since the 1970s many more ethnic groups have been allowed to settle – from the Pacific Islands, Asia and every corner of the globe.

References The Encyclopaedia of New Zealand: www.teara.govt.nz The Penguin History of New Zealand

The Treaty of Waitangi Signed in 1840 by representatives of Queen Victoria and more than 500 Maaori chiefs Provided a constitutional basis for British law and government Partnership between Maaori and crown, participation for Maaori in government and civil life, protection for language, culture and property Quickly disregarded with widespread land confiscations Resurgence in the role of the treaty in last 30 years Each DHB is required to focus on reducing health disparities for Maaori

References Mauriora training website: www.mauriora.co.nz

Accident Compensation Corporation Sole and compulsory provider of compensation for all work and non-work injuries (including those suffered through medical treatment) No fault principle – removal of right to sue except for exemplary damages Provides a comprehensive range of entitlements Low level of medical litigation Forms!!!!!!

Health and Disability Commissioner Established in 1990’s after medical scandal – Cartwright enquiry Code of rights established

Health and Disability Commissioner HDC receive about 600 complaints per year Most do not proceed to formal investigation HDC have significant powers – can refer to Health Practitioner’s Disciplinary Tribunal Restriction on practice, suspension, in extreme cases referral to Human Rights Tribunal for exemplary damages

Medical Council of New Zealand Very similar to GMC Current Practicing Certificate to work F2 House Officers may have special requirements for supervision

The Coroner Similar to UK Referral to coroner required when the death is: Without known cause, suicide or unnatural or violent During medical, surgical or dental operation, treatment In official care or custody. It is usual for the Registrar to call the coroner There is a coroner on-call 24 hours Check the RMO handbook

RMO handbook http://southnet/rmo/Handbook.htm

Health Information Privacy Code 12 health information privacy principles Relating to collection, use, purpose, storage, security and disclosure Breaches are addressed by the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal – fines and suspension Always log out Only access records of patients you are assigned to Be cautious about corridor conversations (that includes the train) Be very cautious about work references in social media DHBs audit access to health records Reference: www.privacy.org.nz

“Welcome to New Zealand!”