Bupa executive Carolyn Cooper has been appointed New Zealand’s first Aged Care Commissioner.
Ms Cooper will leave her current role as Managing Director, Bupa Villages & Aged Care New Zealand, to take up the Commissioner position, and says she is “committed to advocating on behalf of older people and their whānau (extended families)”.
“My experience spans frontline nursing, clinical governance and senior leadership positions in the public and private health sectors. In all areas I have strived to make a tangible difference through collaboration and initiating quality improvements. I will bring an optimistic and pragmatic approach to the challenges this sector faces.
“In whatever health care sector role I have held both here and across the Tasman, fairness and doing the right thing have always been central to my approach. These are values that I hold dear and that I will bring into my role as Aged Care Commissioner,” she said.
Morag McDowell, NZ Health and Disability Commissioner, said she looks forward to having Ms Cooper join the team.
“The appointment of a dedicated Aged Care Commissioner is an excellent opportunity to elevate HDC’s work to promote and protect the rights of people receiving aged care services.
“I am delighted Carolyn Cooper has been appointed as Aged Care Commissioner – she has a wealth of health sector experience which will enable her to be a strong advocate for older people,” she said.
Ms Cooper, who gave evidence at the Royal Commission in 2019, will take up the role on 11 March.
