The new chair of the Integrated Diabetes Services Development Group says the inevitable diabetes epidemic could be disastrous if health services are not integrated.
Mark McGinn has accepted the role of Chair of the Integrated Diabetes Services Development Group (IDSDG) under the Canterbury Clinical Network after Gordon Davies stepped down following many years of service.
Mark is well positioned to support the Integrated Diabetes Services programme in enabling easier access to care and information for people with, or at risk of diabetes.
“I’ve had an interest in diabetes for a while. A family member has Type 2 and I was associated with a review of the Diabetes Centre several years ago,” Mark says.
“If it’s not already the case, diabetes is shaping up as an epidemic in the community and therefore its impact on community heath and resources could be disastrous without multifaceted and well integrated services.”
When asked what he hopes to achieve during his time as Chair, Mark says he will look to supporting the ongoing beneficial work of the group.
“A certain politician once said he hoped to leave the PM office with the country no worse off than when he started. It didn’t sound very ambitious but in this case, my predecessor has made an enormous contribution to the health system. So to honour his legacy would be one thing.”
“Potentially, I’d also like to help the group in any way I can to increase its overall influence and effectiveness, and be of service to the programme manager, Deborah Callahan.”
Integrated Services Programme Manager, Deborah Callahan welcomed Mark on board.
“This is an exciting time for the Integrated Diabetes Service as we continue our work to assist people with diabetes to look after themselves better and get the support they need.”
“While we’re saying a sad farewell to Gordon, who has been instrumental in leading us through many of the achievements we’ve seen for diabetes health services over the past few years, I’m excited to welcome Mark on our journey. I have no doubt that Mark’s years of experience in health and development initiatives put him in great stead to lead us as we aim to provide better care closer to people’s homes and communities.”
Priorities for the Integrated Diabetes Services programme in the coming year include a focus on pre-diabetes, children and youth, Maori and Pacific peoples.
Mark brings more than 25 years of experience in line management and consulting positions in both public and private sectors.
He already has involvement with the Canterbury Clinical Network through the Standing Orders Development Group and is involved across multiple different areas of the Canterbury health system.
A special farewell to Gordon Davies