Southern DHB appoints new deputy to the CMO

Southern DHB clinical leader of oral health services, Tim Mackay, has been appointed Deputy to the Chief Medical Officer.

Tim, 50, has been with the Southern DHB for more than 20 years, serving as clinical leader of oral health services for the last 15 years. His appointment commenced 16 October.

The Deputy position, which is based in Invercargill, was created this year to provide operational and strategic advice to the Chief Medical Officer across the district and to help support the further development of senior medical leadership teams throughout the organisation.

“There is no doubt that this is a time of change at the Southern DHB and I look forward to supporting the creation of an innovative and flexible health care system that meets the needs of people and communities throughout the district,” the new Deputy to the CMO says.

Tim has gained broad experience across the health sector and has a strong understanding of both hospital and community healthcare provision. He works with inpatients, operates in theatre, undertakes outpatient clinics and also provides care in the DHB’s large community oral health service, which manages 50,000 children across the Southern district.

Announcing Tim's appointment, Southern DHB Chief Medical Officer, Dr Nigel Millar said: “Tim is well-respected and has a proven ability to provide professional guidance and support on clinical and operational skills and practices.

“Our organisation is committed to supporting and developing clinical leadership across the organisation and to do so adequately it is important to have a strong and respected presence in Southland.”

Tim Mackay Biographical Info

Over the two decades he has worked with the Southern DHB, Tim Mackay has been involved in service redesign and implementation, a new hospital re-build, credentialing and service reviews across New Zealand. He is currently the Chair of the NZ Oral Health Clinical Leadership Group.

He has also taken advantage of professional secondment opportunities over the years, including being the Acting Chief Dental Officer at the Ministry of Health in Wellington and being selected for the Senior Dental Leadership training course in Boston.

Tim is a past board member of the NZ Dental Association and has been the Southland President for the ASMS (Association of Salaried Medical Specialists). He has taken an active role in this position representing the Senior Medical Officers locally and nationally.

A graduate of the University of Otago, School of Dentistry, Tim lives in Invercargill with his wife, Vicki, and 2 children. His interests include mountain biking, amateur radio and enjoying the Southern outdoors.