Greymouth nurse wins national post

Wellington
Grey Base Hospital nursing boss Jane O’Malley was today confirmed as the country’s new chief nurse after the previous one was alleged to have inappropriately used Ministry of Health funds.
Former chief nurse Mark Jones, who resigned abruptly just before Christmas, was cleared of fraud in May.
Dr O’Malley 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.
Dr O’Malley said her key priority in the role would be building effective relationships with the minister’s office and with ministry and heath sector colleagues.
The ministry said an extensive international and national search was made to find the right person.
New Zealand Nurses Organisation chief executive Geoff Annals said Dr O’Malley was an excellent choice.
— NZPA