Paterson quits to take chair in law 

Source: ONE News

Health and Disability Commissioner Ron Paterson is quitting to take up a chair in law at Auckland University.

Paterson will finish as commissioner at the end of March 2010, completing 10 years in the role.

As commissioner Paterson's role has been to promote and protect the rights of consumers who use health and disability services, and to improve the quality of those services.

It had been a tremendous privilege to be Health and Disability Commissioner, he said.

"It is a unique and rewarding role."

Health Minister Tony Ryall said Paterson would leave big shoes to fill.

"We would all prefer to have a health system that works so well for everyone that the Commissioner's role was unnecessary.

"Unfortunately that is not the case, and Mr Paterson has done professionally what is often an unpopular job - looking into complaints and taking action where required.

He had made significant contribution to New Zealand's health service, Ryall said.

The position will be advertised.