As a primary health organisation, we see firsthand the challenges faced by our communities, particularly those most vulnerable. Te Tiriti o Waitangi has long served as a foundation for addressing inequities in Aotearoa New Zealand, particularly in healthcare.
Read moreThe Pinnacle offices will close to a skeleton staff from 5pm, Friday 20 December and re-open on Wednesday 8 January 2025. View specific team dates and information here.
Read moreToday the National Public Health Service and the Public Health Agency have declared a national pertussis epidemic. Te Whatu Ora is asking healthcare professionals to please remain vigilant for people presenting with symptoms and to continue to promote vaccinations to protect vulnerable groups.
Read morePinnacle development managers have created a toolkit to provide essential tools and resources to support practice managers, business managers, and other staff involved in the management of general practice. It aims to streamline administrative tasks, improve operational efficiency, and enhance the quality of care and services delivered at practice level.
Read moreEffective immediately, Pathlab phlebotomists are not able to provide instructions or facilities for the collection of rectal swabs, STI swabs or STI urine specimen, or genital swabs.
Read moreFunding for Hiberix and Varivax will cease from 1 December 2024. The vaccines have been replaced by Act-HIB and Varilrix respectively. Practices should have stock of the new vaccines and should have already made the swap to these. If you have old stock remaining on 1 December, it needs to be returned to Propharma using usual processes.
Pathlab is seeing an increase in the volume of Histology requests in the lead up to Christmas. The turnaround time for results has increased as a result of this demand.
Read moreTe Whatu Ora has received notice of strike action by members of the NZNO (New Zealand Nurses Organisation) union. This means that nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants who are union members and employed by Te Whatau Ora will be undertaking a full withdrawal of labour, from 11am to 7pm on Tuesday 3 December.
Read moreA measles case identified in Auckland had recently returned from Southeast Asia. Whilst infectious, the case visited three healthcare settings and a local Four Square on Waiheke Island, prior to being advised to isolate. All known close contacts have been contacted, and a small number are in quarantine. While the risk of transmission to the wider community is considered low, the National Public Health Service is asking healthcare professionals to please remain vigilant and take precautions.
Read moreSkin prick testing is a specialised test to detect specific IgE antibodies to a range of allergens. Due to the very low volume of skin prick tests processed at Pathlab Taupō, and in commitment to service quality, Pathlab has discontinued skin prick testing at this site. Patients will instead be booked for the same testing at a different site, the closest being Rotorua – OPD Department – Rotorua Hospital.
Read moreThe recent PHO Services Agreement Amendment Protocol (PSAAP) meeting took place 31 October and focused on updates related to the Primary Health Organisation Services Agreement (PHOSA) and outputs from working groups. Three themes emerged at many points during the meeting.
Read moreFollowing the recent announcement of updates to the ACC definition regulations, paramedics will be recognised as ACC treatment providers from 19 December 2024. This change will enable paramedics to be funded for work in primary care and as PRIME responders.
Read moreFollowing a recent case, the Ministry of Health is clarifying the use of the Mental Health Act (1992) for frontline doctors and nurse practitioners. This concerns situations where someone may require compulsory assessment and treatment.
Furthermore, the Ministry recommends all frontline doctors and nurse practitioners in the community, rural hospitals and emergency departments, engage with training such as that available via Te Pou on the application of the Mental Health Act.
Health concerns, knowledge and information are key factors influencing a whānau's decision to vaccinate. The kaupapa of this session is to increase competence and confidence in having vaccine-related conversations with whānau. This session aims to give you the skills to augment your approach to these conversations.
View eventThis session will explore the ethical considerations of AI in healthcare, emerging trends, and strategies for building a digitally skilled, AI-ready workforce while addressing potential risks.
View eventThe Ministry of Health has introduced standards for B4SC training, recommending 24 hours of initial training for new B4SC nurses. The assessments as well as supervised practice makes up for the hours uncounted. This training is for Waikato region only.
View eventWith the change to indici claiming for some services, the eligibililty criteria is automated wherever possible. Find out how to adding the patient’s domicile DHB to their enrolment page to ensure they are recognised as eligible.
The Foundation programme represents a collection of legislative, regulatory and clinical requirements for all general practices in Aotearoa New Zealand.
From support with new role implementation such as primary care assistants (PCAs) to mapping and redesign of current processes such as repeat prescribing processes, your local Pinnacle development manager can support your changing practice needs.