General Practice Conference & Medical Exhibition

Our Chief Executive, Lisa Foster, has reported on the annual GPCME in Rotorua she attended last week to represent the rare disorder community.

“This conference was extra-special due to the fact last year’s event was cancelled. I was privileged to be an attendee and hear about current research, system reform impacts and expectations as well as many other amazing topics. The chance to meet, network and find aligned areas is such an important aspect, especially for rare disorders, which are often an area of less awareness or understanding. Discussions about actions to improve awareness of rare disorders occurred and I will put forward a request to run a workshop next year focusing on education for clinicians. From this comes understanding and a shift in mindset to hopefully filter to all the people who will need that care and compassion when they are looking for a diagnosis and care from their clinician.”

Health Minister Andrew Little spoke about the shift from DHBs to Health NZ, as well as the challenges facing New Zealand due to COVID-19. 

Lisa met with a number of key contacts including James Armstrong, Director at Research Review and Medidata, and Professor Des Gorman from Auckland University.

Rare Disorders NZ provided a flyer in all delegate’s bags to raise awareness of our organisation and the support available to families.

The second GP conference takes place in Christchurch in August and the Rare Disorders NZ will attend to again ensure the voice of the 300,000 people living with a rare disorder are heard.

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