New Women's Health Section holds its inaugural conference.

The newly formed Women's Health Section, NZNO, formerly known as the New Zealand Gynaecology Nurses' Interest Group (NZGNIG), has recently hosted its third annual conference as a group and inaugural conference as an NZNO section. The conference, entitled "Unveiling Middle Earth--a gynaecology perspective", was held in Wellington in November and opened by the mayor and former midwife Kerry Prendergast. Her opening address was inspirational. Speakers addressed a range of issues, including oncology, cervical screening, sexual health and laparoscopic management of gynaecologicat conditions. Ministry of Women's Affairs chief executive Shenagh Gleisner presented its Action Plan for New Zealand Women and allied health professionals, including physiotherapists, dietitians and acupuncturists, spoke about alternative options to support women. All the presenters of the free papers set a high standard, with an Obex prize of $1000 towards study abroad being awarded to clinical nurse specialist at Auckland City Hospital's women's health services, Georgina McPherson. Her excellent presentation was entitled "A clinical audit of patient outcomes following colposcopy multidisciplinary review".

NZNO professional nurse adviser Chris Millar provided professional support with an informative and practical presentation on competency based practising certificates and portfolio development. A focus on nurses caring for themselves was enjoyed by many, as there were multiple daily draws for ten-minute back and neck massages, of which I was a lucky recipient! Attendees were also given a pamper pack at registration filled with lots of little luxuries and the opportunity to win one of two superb raffle baskets, including lavender pillows and bath robes.

How the new section was established

The Women's Health Section (NZNO) represents nurses from around the country, who have a passion for women's health issues and share a belief that women's health issues differ from other health care issues.

The concept of a specialised group for nurses working in women's health was spearheaded by committee member Hilary Adams, who at the time was the clinical nurse educator in gynaecology at Capital Coast District Health Board. The group's aim was to establish communication networks for nurses working in this field and to provide a forum for education and collaboration. NZGNIG was formalised at the inaugural conference in Napier in 2002. At the second conference in Dunedin last year, the AGM voted for the group to become an NZNO section. The steering group has worked hard this year to provide the section with a solid foundation on which to build in the ensuing years. The section's vision is to be the driving force to ensure all women in Aotearoa New Zealand receive optimum health care in relation to women's health issues. The section aims to provide a professional nursing voice for women's health issues, to advocate for women and influence health policy. Members of the group ratified the section name, logo, section rules and strategic plan, thus formally establishing this professional group. For more information or to join the section, email Jenny Collins on [e-mail] or phone [phone].

Report by notional section chairperson Jenny Collins.