New Zealand's Update April 2008
National activities
A National Release Centre has been established and is managing the release of the international version of SNOMED CT to the New Zealand Affiliates.
In addition to the National Release Centre, the New Zealand Ministry of Health has established a SNOMED CT Task Force to create the strategies and plans to promote, manage and support SNOMED CT in New Zealand.
New Zealand is an active participant in several of the IHTSDO Special Interest and Working Groups. Specifically we have representation in the Mapping Special Interest Group, the Education Special Interest Group, the Member Operational Liaison Forum (MOLF), and the Primary Health Care Working Group.
New Zealand held a National SNOMED CT Workshop in December 2007 which resulted in several applications for licenses and an enhanced awareness and understanding of the potential of SNOMED CT.
Implementation plans/activities
Ongoing activities and planned projects: New Zealand is developing a strategy for the introduction of SNOMED CT. Proposals are being developed for a Terminology and Classification Centre to provide support and coordination for SNOMED CT implementation activities.
Training Programs: We are currently involved in discussions with National E-Health Transition Authority (NEHTA) in Australia regarding training and educational programs. Task force personnel have undertaken American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) certifications in Clinical Terminologies and SNOMED CT.
Affiliate activities
The number of Affiliate Licenses accepted is seven. There are strong expressions of interest but so far only limited implementations outside of pilot projects.
