In this first issue I talk about the GP funding for pre-call and recall admissions and what it means for general practice, and update you on the PSAAP and upcoming negotiations.
Read moreOn 1 October 2023 Pinnacle CE Justin Butcher joined Pinnacle colleagues, kaumātua, and board and Māori governance rōpū members, in Rōtorua to officially gift one of our practices, Ōwhata Medical Centre, to Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Pikiao. Read Justin's thoughts on this partnership here.
Read moreWe're thrilled to announce Hinetu Kallon Nikora, a patient service representative in our Patient Access Centre (PAC), as the inaugural recipient of Kia Puāwai, Pinnacle’s Māori Education Fund.
Read moreIn this month's newsletter, EAP look at the effects of deep breathing on physical and mental health and introduce their new app habithealth+.
Read moreKa Hono is a collegial support service facilitated by the Bay of Plenty / Waikato faculty of RNZCGP. It is open to all GPs (including non-faculty members) and all GP registrars in the GPEP program (years 1-3).
Read moreTo facilitate zoledronic acid infusion referrals, the Taranaki BPAC blood transfusion/infusion referral form will be updated 27 March. Please note it looks quite different, and requires a different set of information to be obtained prior to referral, particularly with regard to zoledronic acid.
Read moreThis is a free online 20 week course targeted at GPs, NPs, nurses, pharmacists, dietitians and allied health professionals working in diabetes in Aotearoa.
Read moreThe Special Authority criteria for Concerta and Ritalin LA has been amended. This removes the criterion allowing treatment initiation on to Concerta or Ritalin LA if unable to access Teva-ER due to supply issues. This is because all strengths of Methylphenidate ER - Teva, are available again. However supply of Concerta is now constrained.
Read moreOffering community-based support for children aged up to 16 years old, the new Tui Ora community paediatric nurse can help whānau dealing with a variety of health challenges. This new service gives priority to those aged under five years old and those who are Māori or Pasifika, with a primary care focus providing nonacute community based care. GPs can refer via referral form.
Read moreThere has been a significant increase in cryptosporidiosis notifications in recent weeks. Since the start of 2024 until 8 March, there have been 262 cases across Aotearoa notified to public health services, compared to a 5-year average of 81 cases over the same time period. So far this year, 83 per cent of cases have been among people living in urban areas, primarily within Auckland, Waikato and Canterbury.
Read moreRead the latest from GPNZ including a message from the chair Bryan Betty, future of PHOs discussion document, GPNZ and Collaborative Aotearoa to explore joint working, and more.
Read moreTe Whatu Ora, The University of Waikato and Health Research Council of New Zealand are looking for wāhine hapū, pregnant Māori women, who are 16 years and older and living in the Waikato, to take part in a research study to ensure their pregnancy journey is the best it can be.
Read moreOpen to all practice staff across the network, these lunchtime learnings will be held as fortnightly online meetings (12:00-12:30pm), with presentations on a range of relevant topics, and a a chance to connect with colleagues.
View eventThis education session is suitable for general practitioners, nurse practitioners, practice nurses, and other practice team members engaged in supporting people and their whānau affected by mate wareware / dementia. Registration is required.
View eventPinnacle is pleased to host cervical screening training - NZQA level 6, 10 credit NZQA approved training program - provided by Well Women & Family, at our Taranaki Pinnacle office in April 2024.
Pinnacle delivers a number of reports into practice Healthlink folders (Medtech) or PHO folders (indici). Guides have been developed for some of these to help you locate the report in your Healthlink / PHO folder and to ensure the correct person in your practice receives it.
All PHOs and their practices must comply with the PHO enrolment requirements when enrolling people.
The 2024 Influenza Immunisation programme begins Tuesday 2 April. Te Whatu Ora asks vaccinators to focus on immunising people eligible for a funded vaccine. Read all flu vaccination need-to-know information here.