New chief nurse appointed

A new chief nurse has been appointed after the previous one was found to have inappropriately used Ministry of Health funds.

The new appointee is Jane O'Malley.

Former chief nurse Mark Jones, who resigned abruptly just before Christmas, was cleared of fraud in May.

The ministry launched a review of Dr Jones' expenditure after it was revealed he spent $1250 on a chartered yacht for a meeting with Australian nurse executives in the Bay of Islands in 2008.

The review found Dr Jones' use of ministry funds was inappropriately authorised and unwise, but not dishonest.

Deputy director-general of sector capability and innovation Margie Apa announced Dr O'Malley's appointment today.

She will take up the position in late September.

Since 2005 she has been director of nursing and midwifery for the West Coast District Health Board.

She has a masters in nursing services from New York University and a PhD from Victoria University.

She said her key priority in the role would be building effective relationships with the minister's office and with ministry and heath sector colleagues.

Ms Apa said an extensive international and national search was made to find the right person.

"It was important to us to get this right and I'm delighted that we found that person here in New Zealand.

"Jane's academic experience and commitment to developing the nursing profession provides a sound platform for her to provide leadership to nurses throughout New Zealand," she said.

West Coast District Health Board chief executive David Meates congratulated Dr O'Malley on her appointment.

"Jane has an extensive background in nursing and has a passion and commitment to developing nurses and the nursing workforce."

New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) president Nano Tunnicliff also welcomed Dr O'Malley's appointment.

Dr O'Malley is a former president of the NZNO.

"As a former NZNO president she is well aware of the professional and industrial issues nurses face in their working lives," Ms Tunnicliff said.

NZNO chief executive Geoff Annals said Dr O'Malley was an excellent choice.

- NZPA