General Practice Leaders’ Forum announces new Chair

The General Practice Leaders’ Forum (GPLF) would like to announce the appointment of its new Chair, Dr Angus Chambers, a specialist GP based in Christchurch and Chair of the General Practice Owners Association (GenPro).

Dr Chambers takes over the role from Dr Samantha Murton who is a Wellington-based specialist GP and President of The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners.

To ensure there is a strong and united voice across the sector, several like-minded groups collaborate through the GPLF on matters that impact broadly across the breadth of the health sector.

Incoming Chair Dr Chambers says, “It’s an honour to be trusted to lead an organisation whose members touch the lives of so many New Zealanders. It’s an uncertain time for the health system and we need the collaborative ethos represented by GPLF if we are to improve the health of the communities we all serve.

“I'd like to acknowledge the work of Dr Sam Murton and her selfless efforts on behalf of General Practice and look forward to working with the GPLF team.”

Outgoing Chair Dr Murton says, “I’ve enjoyed my time as GPLF Chair, working collaboratively with fellow ‘Team GP’ members who are passionate about ensuring we have a sustainable and supported workforce who strive to improve health outcomes, reduce hospital and ED presentations and save the health sector money.

“Over my term as GPLF chair we have worked on many elements that directly impact general practice. From systems for negotiation to the details of telehealth, acute care and comprehensive care teams. We have jointly campaigned for pay parity for primary care nursing alongside several other stakeholders and worked with the Ministry of Health and Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora to provide advice and ensure sustainable general practice.

“Angus has always been a strong advocate for the general practice workforce, and I know he’ll continue to do so as GPLF Chair.”

Dr Chambers tenure as Chair officially began on 21 February. He can be contacted directly for any media queries or interview requests on the details below.

Email: chair@genpro.org.nz
Cellphone: 027 658 5143

The GPLF consists of members from The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners, Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network, General Practice Owners Association (GenPro), General Practice New Zealand (GPNZ), the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO), the New Zealand College of Primary Healthcare Nurses, and the Practice Managers and Administrators Association of New Zealand (PMAANZ).