THE PAEDIATRIC SOCIETY OF NEW ZEALAND
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF
THE PAEDIATRIC SOCIETY OF NEW ZEALAND
Held at the Plymouth International Hotel
New Plymouth
On Thursday 25 November commencing at 4pm
Present:
Dr Rosemary Marks President
Elaine McCall
Treasurer
Mollie Wilson
CEO
and 39 members
In attendance:
Denise Tringham
Jenny Deonarain
1
APOLOGIES
Apologies were received from: Innes Asher, Catherine Bremner, Jenny
Corban, Brian Darlow, Dawn Elder, Jane Harding, Brenda Hughes, David
Jamison, Patrick Kelly, Peggy Mercer, Helen Nielson, Kevin Pringle, Garth
Smith, Rebecca Somerville, Dianne Webster, Russell Wills.
2
MINUTES OF THE 2009 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Society held on 26
November 2009, having been circulated, were taken as read and
confirmed.
3
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
No specific items were raised that were not covered in later business.
4
4.1
MEMBERSHIP
New Members
Resolved:
That the following nominations, provisionally approved by Council
since the 2009 AGM, be ratified as members of the Society:
Tracey Momsen, Maneesh Deva, Emily Chang, Tanya Breen, Karma
Galyer,
David Smith, Karina Craine, Kati Knuuttila, Julie Blamires, Penelope
Weston, Rachel Clarke, Ailsa Tuck, Anne Vekony, Joan Yeung, Kim
Hunter,
Marie Johannesson, Joanne McClintock, Owen Sinclair, Heather McDowell,
Joanna Sherriff, Lorraine Rycroft, Tineke Water, Tony Watts, Sarah Currie,
Sabina Dosani, Liza Edmonds, Kathryn Edward, Christopher Pearson,
Juliet Soper, Melanie Sutherland, Catrina Riley, Caroline Meadows,
Gillian (Gilli) Lewis, Rebecca Slykerman, Werner Strauss, Jean Simpson,
Yvonne Anderson, Stephen Robinson, Pam Calton, Rosalind Wood,
Cynthia Seamark.
Carried.
4.2
Life Membership Approved by Council since last AGM
Resolved:
That the following nomination, provisionally approved by Council
since the 2009 AGM, be ratified as life members of the Society:
Neil MacKenzie.
Carried.
4.3
Deceased Members since last AGM
The following members, deceased since the last AGM, were observed and
remembered:
Robin Fancourt, Alan Parsons, Jeff Weston.
5
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO CLAUSE 7.1(h) OF THE CONSTITUTION
Due to a change in the name of the RACP’s Board of Paediatrics, it was
proposed to align the Constitution to the change that has taken place.
Proposed amendment was:
That Clause 7.1(h) of the Constitution be amended as follows:“The Chair of the New Zealand Paediatric and Child Health Division
Committee of RACP whilst the PSNZ nominates two members onto the
New Zealand Paediatric and Child Health Division Committee of RACP”
Carried.
TREASURER’S REPORT
The Treasurer's Report for the year ended 31 March 2010 had been
circulated and Elaine McCall spoke to this.
6
6.1
Main Society Accounts
The accounts were healthier this year compared with recent years, with a
surplus of income this year as opposed to the deficit of the last couple of
years. This was partly attributable to the Ministry of Health Clinical
Networks Contract. There was an even stream of income and an uneven
stream of expenses so the surplus may not continue. There was a healthy
surplus from the 2009 ASM.
Resolved:
That the audited accounts of The Paediatric Society of New Zealand
Incorporated for the year ended 31 March 2010 be accepted.
Carried.
6.2
Travelling Trust
Scholarships totaling just over $5000 were awarded during the financial
year ended 31 March 2010. The Trust remained healthy with a total asset
base of $113,000 up from $104,000 the previous year.
Resolved:
That the audited accounts of the Paediatric Society Travelling Trust
Fund for the year ended 31 March 2010 be accepted.
Carried.
6.3
Annual Subscriptions
Recommendation to increase subscriptions in line with the GST rise. In
future GST will be separated from the subscription fee so that any further
changes to GST are transparent. In reply to a question from John
Goldsmith, Rosemary Marks explained that the membership split between
paediatricians and allied health professionals (or more appropriately
between those earning more than and those earning less than $100k) is
approximately 50/50 and has been this way for some time. The current
membership is 470 and climbing steadily. Rosemary Marks suggested a
breakdown of the membership be made available but the general feeling
was that this was not necessary.
Resolved:
That the Society’s subscription fee as from 1 April 2011 be raised in
line with the recent rise in GST as follows:Fee (ex. GST)
$450
$225
GST(15%)
$67.50
$33.75
$100
$15
$80
$45
$12
$6.75
Total
Pre-tax (gross) income per annum
$517.50 Over $100,000
$258.75 Lower subscription rate for personal
or financial reasons
$115
Subscription rate for overseas
members
$92
Between $100,000 - $50,000
$51.75 Less than $50,000
Carried.
6.4
Appointment of Auditor
In the last few years there has been concern over the performance and
efficiency of the Society’s auditor; however no one else had been able to
offer a competitive quote for the service. This year KPMG have supplied a
competitive quote and guarantee of a better quality service than had been
provided from the current organization.
Resolved:
That KPMG be appointed Auditor to The Paediatric Society of New
Zealand Incorporated for the year ending 31 March 2011.
Carried.
7
7.1
President’s Report
The President’s report was tabled and Rosemary Marks spoke to this.
In 2010, the Society has continued to be very busy. The main focus for the
executive this year has been implementation of the Clinical Networks
contract. Ensuring the sustainability of the KidsHealth website has also
been a significant focus. At the beginning of July Mollie Wilson took on a full
time contract with the Society and has been active in both these areas.
The Society’s involvement in the various activities outlined in this report has
resulted in a significant increase in workload for Denise. We have been
pleased to welcome Jenny Deonarain on a short term contract to assist
Denise. A virtual office network has been set up using a cloud computing
system.
In addition some SIGs and individuals have been particularly active in their
advocacy on Child Health issues. While many members contribute, these
four were given special mention: Nick Baker for his support to Mollie and
NCYCNAG; Brenda Hughes and the pharmacy and therapeutics SIG for
their continuing work in promoting the needs of children to PHARMAC;
Patrick Kelly ably assisted by Miranda Ritchie and the Child Protection SIG
for their work on Child Protection alerts; and Phil Pattemore for his tireless
efforts to protect children and young people from passive and active
smoking.
Thanks to Denise Tringham for her constant efficient support and always
being prepared to “go the extra mile” for the Society, Mollie Wilson and
Elaine McCall on the executive and Council members for their wise
counsel.
The membership had continued to grow (470) as had the number of Special
Interest Groups. During the year Council had approved the establishment
of 2 new SIGS: Paediatric Surgery, and Paediatric Psychology.
Please see the President’s Report for a more detailed account of the
following issues:
Clinical Networks
Work on the Clinical Networks Contract has been slow. A newsletter will be
sent out to the entire membership in the new year.
Health Quality & Safety Commission
In July Rosemary Marks was invited to address the Board of the Health
Quality and Safety Commission on key issues of importance in child and
youth health. The Board is chaired by Professor Alan Merry. The Board
members showed great interest in child and youth health issues which
bodes well for the Society. Mollie Wilson accompanied Rosemary Marks to
the meeting.
New Zealand Child and Youth Epidemiology Service
Dr Liz Craig and her team in Dunedin have continued to develop the service
in the face of a challenging economic climate.
KidsHealth Website (http://www.kideshealth.org.nz/)
Funding has been obtained for a short term contract to support the
Kidshealth website for the current financial year. A large amount of work
was carried out by Mollie Wilson behind the scenes in order to secure this
contract. The Society is currently waiting for a request for proposal from the
Ministry for a health information project. Work has begun on how the
Society will respond to this RFP.
NZ Telepaediatric Trust
The Society has three nominated trustees on the Board of the New Zealand
Telepaediatric Trust. Nick Baker resigned as a trustee in August.
Professor Marie Johannesson from Wellington has agreed to join the Trust
Board as a Society nominee. Rosemary Marks and Mollie Wilson are
currently the other two Society nominees.
Society Website (www.paediatrics.org.nz)
The website continues to be an important source of information and should
be the first port of call when seeking information about the Society, before
contacting Rosemary Marks, Denise Tringham, Mollie Wilson or Elaine
McCall.
Guidelines
Hasn’t been particularly active this year.
Media Relations
The media relations work has been quite variable. Since writing the
President’s Report, Rosemary Marks and Mollie Wilson have met with
Lauren Young, an independent contractor, who came highly recommended
and understakes the media work for Counties Manukau DHB. The meeting
was regarding the activity of the Clinical Network Advisory Group, however
she has also been engaged on a part time short term contract to assist with
some media work for the Society.
Submissions
A number of submissions had been made during the year on a range of
issues. Through these submissions the Society can promote the interests
of children and young people in the health sector. All submissions can be
viewed on the Society’s website.
Representation
The Society was frequently offered the opportunity to have representation
on various Boards, Committees and Advisory Groups. Representation
during 2010 included: Paul Taylor was nominated to the New Zealand Medicines
Formulary
 Andrew Marshall spoke to The Start Strong seminar in Wellington
on 14/10/2010
 Richard Forster and Peter Jankowitz – ACC External Advisors
 Andrew Marshall– NZ Guidelines Group Expert Advisory Group on
Autism
 Peter McIlroy – SAC General Paediatrics
 Nicola Austin – Working Group for DHB Maternity Service
Specifications
 Warwick Smith and Paul Taylor – Child Youth & Family Intercountry
Adoptions Assessment
 John Clarkson was again nominated as the PSNZ nominee to The
Donald Beasley Institute.
SIG Activities
As noted above the Society had established two new SIGs during the year.
The SIGs will have an important role as we move towards the
implementation of clinical networks. Please see the Society’s website for
individual SIG reports.
Planned Activities for 2011
The major activity in 2011 will be implementing the contract for clinical
networks. We will also be working to secure the future for the Kidshealth
website. Meetings with government Ministers and opposition
spokespersons to ensure Child and Youth Health issues are on the agenda
as the election approaches.
7.2
CEO’s Report
The CEO’s report was tabled and Mollie Wilson spoke to this.
The objectives of this position were:
1. To work with President, Council and membership to develop the
concept and contractual proposal for national wide services for
children and youth
2. To provide support and seek sustainable funding for NZ Child and
Youth Epidemiology Service (NZC&YES)
3. To represent the Society at nominated events and support the
operations of the Society.
The main objectives of Mollie Wilson’s work in 2010 included developing
the strategic planning for the clinical networks contract, with work underway
from January 1, 2010. The other main objective was supporting the funding
of the KidsHealth website.
For the first 6 months of 2010 Mollie Wilson worked part time for the
Hawkes Bay District Health Board, but has since left the DHB and took up a
full-time position as CEO of the Paediatric Society from July 1, 2010.
Clinical Networks
The first 6 months of 2010 was spent developing the Clinical Networks
Advisory Group. They are still working on an acceptable name for the
group. By the end of November the Advisory Group will have a paper to the
Ministry through the National Health Board proposing a formal structure for
the development of Clinical Networks. The contract asked for the
development of a formalised structure, an indication of what Clinical
Networks will look like, and subsequently how it might be funded. Due to
various issues including changes inside the Ministry, the paper has been
delayed by two months.
In June and July Mollie Wilson worked with the National Health Board,
looking at services that were to be proposed for national funding. The
services that were looked at for national funding came out of the Ministry’s
review “Through the Eyes of a Child”. The four services that were looked at
were Paediatric Perenatal Pathology, Metabolics, Cardiac Services, and
Gastroenterology.
A newsletter will developed in the new year to keep the membership up to
date on progress.
Resolved:
That the CEO’s report be accepted.
Carried.
8
CLINICAL NETWORK UPDATE
Covered by Mollie in the CEO’s report.
9
KIDSHEALTH WEBSITE UPDATE
Covered by Katherine Lissienko in the Parent Information SIG report.
10
10.1
10.2
FUTURE ANNUAL SCIENTIFIC MEETINGS
2011 – Auckland, 23rd – 25th November (SIG Meetings 22nd November)
Planning for this meeting by conference convenor Greg Williams and his
team was well under away.
2012 – to be confirmed.
At the Council meeting in October the concept of having a schedule listing
which centres will host the ASMs for a number of years in advance was
discussed. This would allow the earlier appointment of convenor and
committee members.
The history of the ASM organisation can be found on the Paediatric Society
website.
Discussion took place on the proposed rotation of ASM and planning for
2012 and beyond. It was noted:
 Smaller centres may have difficulty finding venues that are large
enough.
 Smaller centres may be too difficult to get to for many people and
may therefore result in fewer registrations. Also, people from smaller
centres may find it difficult to get to other small centres.
 Contracts with event organizers that span a number of years would
lend some continuity to the organisation process.
 There is a global move away from pharmaceutical sponsorship of
these conferences, and this will increase baseline fees.
 If we alternate centres (2 large/1 small), we may end up with the
same people in the large centres in charge frequently.
 Mollie Wilson is prepared to support the collation of previous
conference issues into a manual for the benefit of future
committees. Rosemary Marks clarified that upkeep of such a
manual is in fact in the terms of reference for the Scientific
Committee, although this could be supported by Denise Tringham
administratively.
 Frequently visiting regional centres lends a local flavour to the
event.
 Auckland is large and diverse with three DHBs, and therefore may
benefit from being considered as more than one centre. When the
ASM was last held in Auckland in 2001, about half of the organizing
committee worked in South Auckland, but there was virtually no
paediatric service in Waitamata. ‘Auckland’ should now be seen as
‘Auckland Region’, but we should keep in mind that Auckland holds
one third of the country’s population, and one third of the country’s
paediatricians. This year’s committee members are all based at
Starship which makes it easier to manage. It may be worthwhile to
separate Counties Manukau from Auckland.
 There may be the opportunity for regions to organise meetings (e.g.
Wairarapa combined with Wellington), aided by teleconferencing
capabilities.
An informal vote was taken on whether members preferred a schedule of 2
large centres/1 small centre, or alternating large and small centres. The
vote was in favour of alternating large and small.
Rosemary Marks proposed that Palmerston North be asked to host the
2012 ASM, on the basis that it is central, relatively accessible and willing.
Over the next 6-12 months we will survey the membership to seek wider
views of what people think and want, with a firm proposal to be presented at
the next AGM. Giles Bates and Barbara Bradnock were asked to let Council
know who the key contact will be.
Moved That the Society membership recommends to Council that they explore
options for future organisation of Annual Scientific Meetings in the form of
long term contracts with event organisers, and also explore options as to
how future conferences will be funded.
Proposed:
John Goldsmith
Seconded:
Rosemary Marks
Carried.
Action – Council Meeting Agenda.
11
PROPOSED CHANGE TO NEW INVESTIGATOR RULES
There are two new investigator awards.
1. The RACP Award:
Only open to trainees of the Royal Australasian College of
Physicians.
The RACP determines the rules for this award.
2. The GlaxoSmithKline-sponsored Award:
Open to trainees other than those of the RACP.
A change is proposed in order to avoid future confusion over eligibility to
present at the ASM. Council propose that:
Rather than expecting that people will join the Society, it is expected
that applicants that are eligible will be a member of the Society or
will have an application for membership in process. If they are not
eligible to be a member, then at least one co-author on their paper
must be a member of the Paediatric Society of New Zealand. This
author is the sponsor of the paper. In the event that an applicant
who is not applicable is the sole author, they must attach a letter of
sponsorship from a member of the Society who has been directly
involved in supervision of the work being presented.
Discussion took place as follows:Some concern as to whether this would exclude those trainees whose
supervisors are members of sub-specialty fields and not members of the
Society. Rosemary Marks commented that there were strong opinions
about this at the Council meeting. As long as there is a Society member
who can say they had some involvement in the paper, then this may be
enough as we do not want to cut these people out. Anyone who is not
established in a research career can present a paper. For example a nurse
with 20 years experience in paediatrics who went back to university to do
some research papers could present a paper and be eligible for the prize
During the judging presenters are also judged on how much of the research
was their own work, rather than part of a larger pool of research. The initial
blind screening of applicants considers their own contribution to the
research.
It was noted that eligibility criteria are becoming quite
complicated. We shouldn’t make it too difficult for people to come and
present
Moved -:
That Council re-word the New Investigators Award criteria and
submit it to an email vote where, provided there are at least 100
responses, 2/3 of the responders must be in favour for the motion to
be considered binding.
Proposed:
Seconded:
Eleanor Carmichael
Greg Williams
Carried.
Action – Council Meeting Agenda
12
REMIT - MARKETING OF BREAST-MILK SUBSTITUES
As the Society receives funding for trade displays any promotion of infant
formulas intended as breast-milk substitutes is in contravention of Article
7.3 of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes which
states:
No financial or material inducements to promote products within the scope
of this Code should be offered by manufacturers or distributors to health
workers or members of their families, nor sould these be accepted by health
workers or members of their families.
The proposed remit, including amendment proposed by Eleanor Carmichael
and John Goldsmith (underlined) reads:
The Paediatrics Society of New Zealand requests suppliers of
nutritional products taking exhibition space at the Society’s Annual
Scientific Meeting, in keeping with the Baby Friendly Hospitals and
the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding Initiatives adopted widely
in New Zealand, not to display or promote infant formulas other than
those prescribed for specific conditions i.e. those products requiring
special authority application from a specialist. Persistent display or
promotion of formulas intended as breast milk substitutes will result
in the supplier being refused a stand at the next conference. The
reason behind this is that if we receive funding for trade displays
that promote infant formulas that are intended as breast milk
substitutes, this is in contravention of Article 7.3 of the International
Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes which states that, “No
financial or material inducements to promote products within the
scope of this code should be offered by manufacturers or
distributors to health workers or members of their families, nor
should these be accepted by health workers or members of their
families”.
Carried.
The organisers of future ASMs will be advised of the remit so they can
advise the sponsors accordingly.
13
NEW ZEALAND TELEPAEDIATRIC TRUST
Reported on above.
14
14.1
15
15.1
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS AND COMMITTEES
Individual SIG reports can be viewed on the website.
GENERAL BUSINESS
Pharmaceutical and Related Advertising and Sponsorship at PSNZ
Functions
Evidence shows that doctors who accept gifts from pharmaceutical
companies are more likely to prescribe their products. David Graham
supported this view, but noted that we still must have some relationship with
pharmaceutical sponsors, and without their sponsorship conference
registration fees could be up to $2000. Rosemary Marks noted that currently
a large amount of the sponsorship is not pharmaceutical. It was agreed this
debate is very important and the matter should be revisited next year.
Action – 2011 AGM Agenda
15.2
Proposed Rotation of ASM and Planning for 2010 and Beyond
Already covered earlier in the meeting.
15.3
Remit to Explore the Possibility of PSNZ Having Corporate Membership
The current format for application for membership of the Society is through
being nominated by another member and conditional on the individual having
five (or more) years experience working in the sector. Final approval is
processed through the Executive group and ratified by Council. In recent
years approaches have been made to the Society to support a corporate
membership that would enable a staff member, within that organisation, to
have membership. Individuals would still have to apply but at a slightly
reduced rate. A number of professional organisations have this practice
operating and this enables individuals within the organisation to (a) be
members and (b) attend the organisation’s various events at a slightly
reduced rate.
Resolved:
PSNZ executive will explore ways in which a corporate membership
package could be developed. Ultimate approval for any change in
membership status would follow PSNZ constitutional procedures
which involves a postal vote.
Carried.
Action – Council Meeting Agenda
15.4
2010 Travelling Scholarships Awarded To:Dr Joseph Kado, Amanda D’Souza, Julie Blamires, Caroline De Luca, Janet
Mikkelsen
15.5
National Guidelines
Renee Clements advised Palmerston North and Wanganui have a
collaborative regional health relationship in child health, and have been
asked to develop shared clinical guidelines. This is a huge task and it seems
there is an inaudible amount of money and time spent in each DHB keeping
clinical guidelines up to date and current. Renee Clements asked the
meeting what their thoughts were on instituting national clinical guidelines.
Rosemary Marks commented that the Society had not been very active in
guidelines lately, but this could possibly come out of the clinical networks
contract. It was agreed that a starting point would be to ask other DHBs to
share their guidelines on the relevant topics.
15.6
New Zealand Paediatric Surveillance Unit
No annual report at the time of AGM, but expected shortly.
15.7
How the PHA and PSNZ Members can Work Together to Build
Concerted Health Sector Advocacy for Children – Advocacy SIG
Amanda D’Souza spoke to the meeting about how the Society could work
with the PHA to advocate on behalf of children. There is lot of goodwill but
currently much of the advocacy is fragmented. It was agreed an Advocacy
be established, pending Council approval and Amanda D’Souza agreed to
act as Chair.
Action –Council Meeting Agenda
16
16.1
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
Resolved:
That facilities for breastfeeding mothers be provided at future ASMs.
Carried.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 5.55 pm.
The Chairman thanked members for their attendance.