Ka Ora Telecare is delighted to inform rural practices of their recent successful procurement of the National Rural Telehealth Contract. After a highly competitive procurement process, Practice Plus, Reach Aotearoa and Emergency Consult have established a combined service called Ka Ora Telecare, integrating all their value-add services to provide a model of care for your practices and the priority whānau you care for.

The Immunisation Advisory Centre (IMAC) is dedicated to providing the best possible support to undertake immunisation work in Aotearoa New Zealand. You're invited to participate in their brief 5-minute survey to contribute to the review of the effectiveness of IMAC's work. Your confidential feedback is crucial, and IMAC genuinely appreciate the time you take to share your thoughts.

In this month's newsletter, EAP raise the sensitive topic of domestic and family violence. For those affected, it can impact every aspect of their life. EAP looks at how to support them, whether a colleague or whānau member.

Alzheimers Taranaki Cognitive Skills course is for people recently diagnosed with dementia. This program is designed to improve cognitive function, enhance communication skills, boost confidence and mood, and empower those affected with dementia. Referral from a medical professional is preferred due to the small group size and the need for people to have a diagnosis and be in the early stages of the disease.

November is Diabetes Action Month and Diabetes NZ is calling on Kiwi's to Step Up For Diabetes, to prevent diabetes from reaching epidemic proportions in Aotearoa and help those already living with the disease to live well.

People who have worked for Te Whatu Ora, one of the former District Health Boards, or Health Alliance, Health Partnerships, Health Source or Northern Region Alliance at any time since 1 May 2010 may have been paid incorrectly for their leave. Te Whatu Ora is committed to addressing these issues, to ensure current and former Te Whatu Ora employees receive their correct leave entitlements.

A "quick notification" process has been set up in Waikato Hospital to ensure that if a patient dies whilst on a ward, their GP is made aware. Currently the practice may not be aware of a death until a discharge letter has been written and sent which can take several days or longer.

An update to the common form for the diabetes annual review will go live in the next few weeks. There are prompts for questions related to sexual health, specifically about erectile dysfunction for men and contraception and pregnancy planning for women of childbearing age. Please contact the diabetes lead in your area if you have any questions.

Significant changes are underway in the health system, driven by the experiences of the
COVID-19 response and the recent recommendations of the Immunisation Taskforce.
These changes range from simple to complex and will have an impact on the way Medical Officers of Health authorise vaccinators in their regions.