Mrs Denise Astill, ONZM, of Auckland, for services to the prevention of foetal anticonvulsant syndromes
Denise Astill founded and is CEO of Foetal Anti-Convulsant Syndrome New Zealand (FACSNZ), a not-for-profit organisation that provides support, awareness and prevention services. She helped ACC develop the ACC FACS Prevention Team, which has circulated prevention booklets for healthcare professionals and consumers. She organised the first Australasian FACS conference with international speakers. She successfully advocated for warning labels for those pregnant on Epilim boxes. Working with government and non-government agencies, she has promoted education for the prevention of foetal anticonvulsant syndromes. She presented to the World Health Organisation the risks associated with anti-seizure medications for women and girls. She has published several articles and attended the fifth Global Ministerial Summit in Geneva. Mrs Astill is a member of Te Whatu Ora’s Whanau Feedback and Engagement Advisory Group.