Brief of Evidence

In July 2000, Sandra Coney, Executive Director of Women's Health Action, gave evidence at the Gisborne Inquiry. Her evidence provided a consumer perspective on the establishment and implementation of the cervical screening programme. Sandra was on the original Expert Group which set up the programme and she co-wrote the original policy for the programme.

Her brief documents the difficulties encountered in doing so, as well as the efforts of women's groups to support the programme.

UNDER THE HEALTH AND DISABILITY SERVICES ACT 1993

IN THE MATTER OF THE MINISTERIAL INQUIRY INTO THE UNDER-REPORTING OF CERVICAL CANCER ABNORMALITIES

BRIEF OF EVIDENCE OF SANDRA CONEY EXPERT WITNESS FOR WOMEN'S HEALTH ACTION TRUST

Contents

Background - Qualifications and Experience
Part I: Involvement in the establishment of the NCSP

• Ministerial Review Committee
• Department of Health Guidelines for Area Health Boards
• Review Committee Report
• The Ministers plans for quality control and accreditation
• Expert Group
• Relationship with Department of Health
• Philosophy of the Department
• Expert Group Budget
• Advice to Helen Clark
• Policy for the NCSP
• Screening Benefit
  

Part II: Womens understanding of cervical screening and the NCSP

• Consumer representation and consultation with women
• Opt off legislation
• Newsletter
• NCSP education resources for women
  

Part III: Monitoring and evaluation
Conclusion
References