Professor Ruth Vine has been appointed to lead Queensland’s review of gender-affirming care for kids. Don’t expect to hear from her, though.
Professor Ruth Vine, a former Victorian chief psychiatrist and the nation’s first deputy chief medical officer for mental health, has been appointed by the Queensland government to lead its controversial independent review into gender-affirming treatment for under 18s in that state.
Professor Vine will examine the evidence for using puberty suppression (Stage 1) and gender-affirming (Stage 2) hormone therapy for children with gender dysphoria in Queensland Health facilities.
The pause on children and adolescents being prescribed Stage 1 and Stage 2 hormone therapies in all Queensland Health facilities will remain until the report has been completed and its findings considered.
The final report will be presented to Queensland Health’s director-general Dr David Rosengren by 30 November this year.
Professor Vine was described by Queensland minister for health Tim Nicholls as being “ideally placed” to lead the independent review. However, she has been effectively gagged by the review’s terms of reference, which ban Professor Vine from making any public statement.
It says if she is approached by the media, she must refer them to Queensland Health’s media relations team.
“Professor Vine has more than 25 years’ experience as a psychiatrist with a strong record of providing dedicated service to communities across the country,” said Mr Nicholls.
“The review will consider input from a wide range of stakeholders, including clinicians and other relevant professionals and, of course, young people and their families.
“This includes giving stakeholders the opportunity to make written submissions on matters relevant to the review.”
New director for Wentworth Healthcare
Wentworth Healthcare, provider for the Nepean Blue Mountains PHN, has appointed a new board director, Janja Bojanic.
Ms Bojanic is a registered psychologist, manager, and board approved supervisor with over 10 years of clinical and leadership experience. She has extensive experience working across various sectors including the corporate, private, and hospital settings.
“I want to be able to share my knowledge, expertise, and energy in a way that can benefit others. I am a strong advocate for collaborating with multidisciplinary care and consumer engagement to enhance care and treatment outcomes,” she said.
“Learning about the ethos, vision and strategy this board has really aligned with my own core values of giving back and serving the community.”
Related
Allied health stars celebrated
Allied health clinicians have been celebrated at the NSW Health Excellence in Allied Health Awards.
Thirty-five finalists were considered in seven award categories.
The winners are:
- Allied Health Professional of the Year: Dr Kate Short, speech pathologist, South Western Sydney LHD;
- Allied Health Leader of the Year: Catherine Osborne, radiation therapist, Western NSW LHD;
- Early Career Allied Health Professional of the Year: Daniel Lowe, radiation therapist, Western NSW LHD;
- Aboriginal Allied Health Professional of the Year: Mason Smith, physiotherapist, Nepean Blue Mountains LHD;
- Allied Health Assistant/Technician/Support Person of the Year: Dianne Redding, allied health assistant, Hunter New England LHD;
- Allied Health Research of the Year: Dr Sim Yee (Cindy) Tan, dietitian, Sydney LHD;
- Allied Health Educator of the Year: Shirlee Maxwell, dietitian, Hunter New England LHD.