28th April 2025 – For immediate release
ANZMES (The Associated New Zealand Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Society) is proud to announce its detailed submission to the Ministry of Health as part of the consultation on modernising health workforce regulation in New Zealand. This important initiative represents a key opportunity to advocate for a healthcare system that prioritises equity, inclusivity, and patient-centred care.
In our submission, ANZMES emphasised the pressing need for systemic change, outlining practical and impactful solutions to enhance healthcare delivery for individuals with ME/CFS and other underserved communities. Key recommendations included:
- Establishing integrated care models to support patients with complex conditions.
- Implementing patient feedback mechanisms to ensure healthcare policies align with patient needs.
- Advancing awareness through public campaigns about ME/CFS and related conditions.
- Promoting mandatory upskilling and education through CME-accredited evidence-based programmes and resources.
- Championing the creation of a Centre of Excellence for ME/CFS, a transformative initiative to drive research, education, and patient advocacy.
ANZMES also addressed key consultation questions, advocating for inclusive regulation that upholds safety while fostering workforce sustainability. Our recommendations included streamlining processes for overseas-trained professionals and supporting culturally responsive care practices to address the unique needs of Māori, Pasifika, tangata whaikaha disabled, and other underserved populations.
“Systemic healthcare reform is not just about meeting today’s challenges—it’s about ensuring a sustainable, inclusive system for generations to come,” said Fiona Charlton, President at ANZMES. “This submission reflects ANZMES’s unwavering commitment to driving positive change for all New Zealanders.”
We encourage our community and supporters to stay engaged as this important consultation progresses. Together, we can create a healthcare system that serves everyone with fairness, compassion, and innovation.
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About ANZMES
The Associated New Zealand ME Society is the National Advisory on ME/CFS. Established in 1980, ANZMES has been at the forefront of research, representation, and education for ME/CFS in Aotearoa/New Zealand. The organisation’s expertise comes from its reputable medical team of advisors, which includes a world renowned expert and MNZM recipient, a fellow of the Royal NZ College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) and a network of academic researchers, clinicians, and representatives from the ME community.
The organisation is a registered provider of continuing medical education with the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) and is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by ME/CFS, long COVID, and associated conditions.
ANZMES is a founding member of the World ME Alliance, and a member of the Neurological Alliance NZ, long COVID Alliance, Carer’s Alliance, Disabled Person’s Assembly (DPA) and Access Matters.
The organisation’s vision is to live in a world where Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), long COVID (and associated conditions) are recognised, supported, diagnosed early, treated effectively, and cured.
The vision focuses the organisation’s mission as the trusted leader to fund and generate robust Aotearoa research, represent the global voice, and educate through best practice to improve outcomes.
The vision and mission drive the organisation’s purpose as the leading National Advisory to produce and deliver quality, reputable, authoritative, evidence-based information, data, research, and education. We represent the needs of the community to ensure best outcomes are the primary focus of healthcare, legislation, and services that affect people living with ME, long COVID, fibromyalgia, and dysautonomia.
