TransAdvocates NZ, New Zealand


Saturday, May 29, 2010

Appointments made to Counties Manukau DHB reference group


Four slots on the Counties Manukau DHB's trans health reference
committee have been filled, but the HRC is is setting up a community
panel with another 8 members.

CMDHB, in response to the Transgender Inquiry, is running a project
aimed at creating a set of local guidelines for trans health care.
Currently overseas protocols are used and a frequently applied in a
haphazard inconsistent way. It is hoped the new protocol will provide
national standard for doctors to follow.

Only four positions were made available for the trans community on the
reference committee. These positions were oversubscribed with a large
number of applications coming in for these unpaid positions.

The appointees are Cathy Parker, Joey McDonald, Amie Clisby and Max Lawson.

Joey McDonald who is currently doing a thesis on pakeha FTM experience
in New Zealand is very enthusiastic about having trans input into the
process of forming the new guidelines.

"I'm particularly interested in creating a wellness model, rather than
an illness model, for trans-related healthcare within NZ and I think
we have a valuable opportunity to build a strong community-based
resource for trans people and medical practitioners," said McDonald
speaking from Dunedin.

Keenly involved in local community groups, McDonald is committed to
creating a safer environment for trans people and is aware of the
patchy medical service currently available. "One of the major concerns
is a lack of consistency in what is provided throughout the country,
and I'm hoping we can work towards clearer understandings for
everyone."

Cathy Parker is a long-time GenderBridge board member and past
chairperson and has extensive experience with trans people and health
care. "I want to achieve a better system for the health-related needs
of trans people, in particular having in place clear pathways and
transparent mechanisms so trans people can access the health services
required throughout the country," she said from her base in Auckland.

Max Lawson, a GenderBridge member and part of the TA team sees
communication to the wider community being key. "I believe my core
strength is my passion for communication, to ensure that the wider
community remains included as much as possible for the duration of
this project," he said from Auckland.

"I have a strong drive to ensure that everyone across the transgender
spectrum from all of New Zealand gets the opportunity to have a voice
in the process."

Rounding out the four appointments is Wellingtonian Amie Clisby: "What
I bring to the table are good connections to various sectors of the
Trans community and a willingness to work with the community to
represent the various needs without prejudice," she said

"I see this project, to provide standard guidelines, as a starting
point for the Trans community to build consistent and quality
relationships with health providers."

Recognising the need for broader input than just the four positions
made available, HRC Chief Commissioner Rosslyn Noonan said the
Commissions would be establishing an extended panel of trans
representatives as the four positions were "not enough to encompass
the full diversity of trans communities".

Accordingly not only is there a "standby" panel member, Nikki Smith of
Christchurch, but a further 8 people have been invited to participate
in a process of giving and receiving feedback from the four reference
committee appointees.

The Commission will run audio-video conferences and will be open to
any trans people interested in the project with all applicants for the
reference group being invited to attend.

Meanwhile, the Commission is seeking further participation from
under-represented groups in cluding whakawahine, fa'afafine, trans
youth and trans men. Those interested can contact Jack Byrne at the
HRC or email him at jackb@....


Posted by Kelly Ellis at 10:40 PM


http://transadvocates.blogspot.com/2010/05/appointments-made-to-counties-manukau\
.html