Sarfati steps into Bloomfield’s shoes

Dr Diana Sarfati will be the chief steward for New Zealand’s health system, permanently taking over the role formerly held by Dr Ashley Bloomfield. Deputy public service commissioner Helene Quilter announced yesterday that Sarfati would permanently hold the role of director-general of health and chief executive Ministry of Health, which she had been filling temporarily. She will be focused on implementing and embedding health system reforms. Sarfati formerly headed Otago University’s public health department and is chief executive of cancercontrol agency Te Aho o Te Kahu.