News articles

Expressions of interest open

We are seeking expressions of interest to work with Te Tāhū Hauora Health Quality & Safety Commission’s (the Commission) Trauma programme team on the scoping and delivery of Te ara whakatika: the path of making things right equity project.

This project is a partnership between the Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Trauma National Clinical Network, the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC), and the Commission. It forms part of a broader programme to establish a modern, equitable trauma system of care in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The project’s goal is to ensure that Māori — and ideally all — patients who experience major trauma can access the post-discharge rehabilitation services they need, in proportion to their specific needs.

We are seeking expressions of interest for:

• Expert Advisory Group members with clinical, cultural, or consumer expertise 
• a Māori Clinical Lead (0.2 FTE)

Please email expressions of interest to help@majortrauma.nz by Friday, 29 August 2025. Further details are provided in the linked expression of interest (EOI) documents below. 

1. Download EOI: Expert Advisory Group (PDF 238KB)

2. Download EOI: Māori clinical lead (PDF 178KB)

Please send any queries to Jacqueline.ryan@hqsc.govt.nz or mobile 021 945 772

National chest injury guideline published

A new national guideline released today aims to ensure that all people who experience chest injury receive consistent and comprehensive care while in hospital, and consistent advice to support rehabilitation.  

The ‘National chest injury guideline’ provides a foundation of clinical guidance that hospital services can adapt for use within the context of their local infrastructure, capacity and capability.  

It was developed following extensive data analysis and research review, which highlighted the significant impact of serious chest injury on patient outcomes, with complex injuries often leading to longer hospital stays and more severe long-term problems.  

An audit of chest injury care guidelines used in Aotearoa New Zealand found significant variation in management of these patients between facilities, and in the resources handed out to patients across the country. 

The guideline and patient information handout are now available on the National Trauma Network website. They include guidance around the management of at-risk populations, such as older adults and Māori, as well as Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) navigation and support to facilitate a smooth transition to the community. 

Access the National chest injury guideline 

Access the Caring for your chest injury patient information handouts 

Background 

The development of the ‘National chest injury guideline’ and ‘Caring for your chest injury’ patient information handout is part of Aotearoa New Zealand’s major trauma quality improvement programme. 

The programme is delivered in partnership between Te Tāhū Hauora Health Quality & Safety Commission, Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Trauma National Clinical Network and the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC).  

Published 4 August 2025