Kia ora,

I work as a paediatrician at Hutt Hospital specialising in adolescents, neurodisabilities and child protection. I am passionate about all rangatahi in Aotearoa having access to high quality health services and equitable health outcomes.

I live on the windy south coast of Wellington with my husband, two teenage children and our family dog. In my spare time I enjoy being in the outdoors, gardening, tramping, running and being a member of a local stream restoration group.

I am excited to be stepping into the role as Chair for the SYHPANZ executive. Although these are challenging times with the COVID pandemic, Aotearoa is about to embark on transformational changes in our health services and system, and it’s important more now than ever that we have a strong voice advocating for Youth Health and Wellbeing. I feel we are in a strong position to contribute to ongoing improvement of Youth Health in Aotearoa.

Ngā mihi nui,
Dr Jess Allen
SYHPANZ Chairperson 2022