Charlotte Korte
Charlotte Korte is a New Zealand health advocate with experience of harm following a surgical mesh rectopexy procedure. She has played a pivotal role in advocating for meaningful change in the regulation and use of surgical mesh; lobbying for policy reforms, developing educational resources and co-designing and establishing a national surgical mesh restorative justice project.
As a member of the International Continence Society and part of a multi-disciplinary team, she has co-authored several journal articles on the management of surgical mesh complications. Charlotte’s work with the Health Research Council (HRC) and Transparency International New Zealand, led to the HRC signing the World Health Organization (WHO) Joint Statement on Public Disclosure of Results from Clinical Trials. This was a significant milestone for transparency in medical research in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Charlotte was jointly awarded the New Zealand Women of Influence Award in the Public Policy category in 2018, an honour that reinforced her dedication to this critical work. In 2019 she was nominated for the New Zealander of the Year – Local Hero Award, and received formal acknowledgement for her advocacy.
Being invited to speak and presenting at the 7th Global Ministerial Patient Safety Summit on key issues such as effective patient engagement, patient safety, and the prevention of avoidable harm, is a memorable moment in her advocacy.
As a co-founder of HCAA, patient safety is at the forefront of Charlotte’s work. Her main aim is to advocate for systemic improvements in healthcare to make a real difference in people's lives. HCAA's current campaign involves lobbying the New Zealand government for the establishment of an independent Patient Safety Commissioner.
Denise Astill, ONZM
Denise Astill founded and is CEO of Foetal Anti-Convulsant Syndrome New Zealand (FACSNZ), a not-for-profit organisation that provides support, awareness and prevention services.
She helped ACC develop the ACC FACS Prevention Team, which has circulated prevention booklets for healthcare professionals and consumers. She organised the first Australasian FACS conference with international speakers. She successfully advocated for warning labels for those pregnant on Epilim boxes.
Working with government and non-government agencies, she has promoted education for the prevention of foetal anticonvulsant syndromes. She presented to the World Health Organisation the risks associated with anti-seizure medications for women and girls.
She has published several articles and attended the fifth Global Ministerial Summit in Geneva. Mrs Astill is a member of Te Whatu Ora’s Whanau Feedback and Engagement Advisory Group.
Sue Claridge
Kia ora, I've been a health researcher and writer for 20 years, including as a researcher/ writer for breast cancer issues with Breast Cancer Network, and as a member of the Medical Advisory Panel, Sweet Louise (Louise Perkins Foundation). I have researched and written a number of health books for commercial and non-profit clients, including on melanoma, osteoarthritis, liver and colon health; and in-depth articles, including articles on breast cancer, cervical cancer, environmental hormones/xenoestrogens, and nutrition and health.
I've been a Committee member with the Auckland Women's Health Council since 2017 and I'm currently the Communications Manager and editor of the AWHC Newsletter.
I am passionate about many health issues, but particularly informed consent in health care and treatment, patient rights, justice and equity in women's health, and the ways in which women's health and well-being suffers as the result of inequities, disparities, and sexism and misogyny in the wider global health and medical environment. Writing submissions that actual contribute to change in policy, legislation and the health system in Aotearoa New Zealand is particularly rewarding.
I have had my own experiences with adverse outcomes in health care and treatment, and inability to make truly informed decisions because health practitioners didn't give me information I needed and the downstream impacts that those issues have. I feel that many people need advocates that can help them navigate the health system and ensure their needs are met and rights upheld.
I have worked for non-profits and NGOs in a wide range of roles in both voluntary and paid capacities, and believe that my involvement in the Consumer Advocacy Alliance is an important opportunity to make a difference to the health and well-being of New Zealanders.
Kat Gibbons (on leave)
My journey in the health field began in 2012 as a volunteer with the St John Ambulance Service. In 2014, I graduated from the NZ College of Massage with a Diploma of Clinical Massage.
As a Clinical Massage Therapist I found I was often in the position of caring for clients who felt they had been let down or ignored by the mainstream health system. My path for advocacy began here.
It was furthered following the birth of my daughter which resulted in life changing injury and chronic pain. My ensuing dealings with health professionals and my fight with ACC led me to think how difficult it must be for some to access treatments and realistically advocate for themselves.
As I navigated my own pathways towards recognition and rehabilitation of birth trauma and pelvic injuries I began helping others by setting up a support group, Pelvic Dysfunction Support NZ. I have also contributed to various petitions and submissions to Government in regards to pelvic health and improved rehabilitation for mothers.
My goal in working with the Consumer advocacy Alliance is to help restore trust and meaningful and open dialogue between client and clinician and create real change so we begin to see more promising preventive care.