26 May 2011

NPS Better choices, Better health has welcomed Dr Christine Walker to its Board in the position of Consumer Class Director.

Dr Walker brings to the Board extensive experience in the health sector, particularly in the area of chronic illness. In her current role as Executive Officer of the Chronic Illness Alliance, she represents the needs of people with chronic illnesses from a range of diverse communities, age groups and conditions via its 55 member organisations across Australia.

Dr Walker is also Chief Investigator on several NHMRC research projects, an associate partner with the Centre for Clinical Research Excellence in Diabetes, and on the advisory committee for the UNSW Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity advising on research methods to effectively include people with chronic illness.

NPS Board Chair Dr Janette Randall says Dr Walker’s considerable experience in the area of chronic illness will bring a unique and useful perspective to the Board over the coming years.

“Christine’s strong capacity for strategic thinking, together with her extensive networks and experience as a consumer opinion leader will add invaluable experience to the NPS Board and I’m delighted to welcome her to the position.”

“The level of interest in the position was outstanding with a number of high calibre candidates, and it is pleasing that such well qualified individuals are keen to contribute to NPS and quality use of medicines and related technologies.”

Dr Walker’s appointment commenced 19 May 2011 and she will join existing Consumer Class Director Ms Kate Moore.

ENDS

Independent, evidence-based and not-for-profit, NPS enables better decisions about medicines and medical tests. We are funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.