Cultural safety a critical part of patient care
Cultural safety is a fundamental part of health care and is critical to equitable patient outcomes, says Dr Rachel Dempsey, chair of the New Zealand National Committee of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA).
Reported comments by the Minister of Health describing cultural safety as an “ideological agenda” in the wake of leadership changes at the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) are concerning, Dr Dempsey says.
“Cultural safety has been recognised both internationally and locally as a critical component of safe and effective patient care. It is simply good clinical practice, particularly here in Aotearoa New Zealand where all the data shows Māori and Pasifika patients experience poorer outcomes.
“The medical council’s job is professional standards and patient safety, and that includes making sure that practitioners are practicing safely, not just technically but also in their professional attitudes as well.
“The evidence is clear – cultural competency and safety is not ideology, it is a vital and effective part of patient care and addressing inequities.”
Dr Dempsey strongly supported MCNZ in its role as medical regulator, saying the organisation was highly consultative and listened to feedback from doctors.
New Zealand anaesthetist Dr Amanda Gimblett chairs ANZCA’s Indigenous Health Committee, and says the work of the medical council aligns with expert advice.
"Cultural safety and cultural competency are not only evidence-based components of clinically excellent care, they are a cornerstone of ensuring all New Zealanders receive the care they need. As such, the medical council’s work on these standards aligns with evidence and experts.
“The medical council is the regulator responsible for setting professional standards for doctors – it is not a healthcare provider and therefore not responsible for the delivery of care to New Zealanders.
“I thank Dr Rachelle Love and Mr Simon Watt for their pragmatic and eloquent leadership and their contributions to the medical and public communities during their time of service."
Cultural safety is one of four key priorities in ANZCA’s Te Tiriti o Waitangi Action Plan, and its importance is recognised in the college’s 2026-2028 strategic plan.
In New Zealand, the Māori Anaesthetists Network Aotearoa (MANA) plays a critical role in ensuring te ao Māori perspectives are heard within the college, while ANZCA also works closely with Te ORA, the Māori Medical Practitioners Association.
ANZCA warmly acknowledges the appointment of Dr Ken Clark as the new chair of MCNZ and remains committed to working with government, relevant bodies and the wider health sector to deliver the best possible care for patients.
