The persistent pain service is experiencing a significant workforce deficit and are currently limited in service availability and oversight. Unfortunately, the service is currently not in a position to offer first specialist appointments (FSA’s) and as such the team has limited availability for new referrals.

As a result of the roll-out of HPV screening delay from July to September, Pathlab is concerned practices may have HPV supplies nearing expiration. Please check all HPV supplies currently held at your practice, in particular the Buffer tubes, as the initial supply of these had an expiry date of early January 2024. If you have supplies expiring in January 2024, and do not think you will use them prior to their expiry date, please return these to your local laboratory for redistribution.

Nurses and nurse practitioners are invited to complete this 5-10 minute Te Whatu Ora survey about becoming a nurse practitioner. The survey is part of an evaluation of pathways to nurse practitioner training and practice. Even if you have not thought about becoming a nurse practitioner your opinions are valuable. The survey is open until 18 December and on completion you will go in the draw to win one of two $100 vouchers.

Pathlab has been working with practices and providers to transition them across to Pathlab's eOrdering system for requesting laboratory orders. On reviewing current usage, they note some practices have not transitioned to the new system. All practices will need to transition to the eOrdering process by 1 March 2024.  A member of the Pathlab team will be reaching out to practices yet to transition in the coming weeks to discuss how they can provide transition support. 

Changes to employment relations legislation are likely to roll out soon, making it a great time to get on the phone to the EMA legal team to check everything is in place with your Individual Employment Agreements and manage any uncertainties. Call 0800 300 362 before 22 December for a free 30-minute legal consultation, subject to availability. Or book directly online.

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.