In discussion with the Chief Medical Officer (Dr Margaret Wilsher), it has been agreed that, as of 22 June 2010 the Manager Research (Dr Mary-Anne Woodnorth) will sign the Locality Assessment for ALL ADHB projects. The NZ Health and Disability Ethics Committees have been notified of this change.

Dr Woodnorth will only sign the Locality Assessment once the study has been registered with the Research Office and allocated an A+ number and is accompanied by a copy of the Ethics Part 4 which MUST be signed by the ADHB clinical directors of the ADHB departments being accessed. If an Investigator in the study is also the Clinical Director then the Clinical Leader or Medical Director signature is required instead.

For University researchers and other external researchers - please note that we WILL NOT accept Ethics Part 4s signed by non-ADHB clinical directors (e.g. University Heads of Department / supervisors.)  If the applicant submits an RRC form signed by the clinical director, this will suffice.   Decisions to deviate from this lie with Manager Research only (or their deputy in their absence).