11 March 2010

Several changes have been made to the National Prescribing Service Board with the appointment of two new directors and the reappointment of an existing director.

Dr Chris Mitchell has replaced Ross Maxwell as a general practice class director, after Dr Maxwell’s retirement from the Board late 2009. 

Dr Mitchell has been a rural GP in northern NSW for 20 years and is currently president of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). He brings to the NPS Board more than 10 years’ experience as a director serving on not-for-profit boards, and he holds a fellowship at the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

NPS Chair, Dr Janette Randall welcomed Dr Mitchell’s appointment, recognising his recent high profile and extensive networks in the primary care sector.

“In calling for nominations for this position, the Board sought candidates with particular experience working in rural settings as we recognise the medicines use issues in rural areas need ongoing consideration.”

“With his commitment to and understanding of rural general practice and general practice training, Chris will bring invaluable insight and experience to the NPS Board.” 

The second director appointment is Dr Jim Langridge who brings a wealth of business management expertise which will complement the Board’s strengths.

Jim’s career over the past 30 years has been in higher education administration, specialising for over 20 years in international education, entrepreneurship in higher education and business management.

Until early 2009 he held the joint appointments of vice principal (international) at the University of Wollongong (UOW) and CEO/managing director of the ITC group of companies (UOW’s commercial arm).

“Jim brings to the NPS Board experience gained from directorships of organisations in the private education sector, entrepreneurial start-up companies and those involved in regional and economic development. As NPS looks at new ways to expand quality use of medicines and achieve our organisational objectives, Jim’s expertise will be highly valued,” Dr Randall said.

Kate Moore has been reappointed for a second three-year term as the consumer class director. Kate has broad understanding of community quality use of medicines issues and is chair of the ACT Health Council and a member of several other committees. 

Dr Randall said Kate’s expertise in consumer medicines issues will assist the Board to realise its key strategic objectives of improved medicines literacy and broader community engagement with quality use of medicines.

ENDS

The National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) is an independent, not-for-profit organisation for quality use of medicines funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.