Applications for the next annual Midlands Collaborative Registered Nurse Prescribing in Community Health (RNPCH) programme are now open.

While the dollars are certainly promised in this record pledge to New Zealand’s health system, Justin Butcher, Pinnacle acting chief executive, isn’t breathing a full sigh of relief just yet.

Registrations of interest are now open for community representatives on the Midlands Regional Health Network Charitable Trust Board.

On a mission to reduce barriers to healthcare for rangatahi in low-decile schools, clinicians in the Waikato SBHS are using a collaborative care model that is improving health outcomes and engagement for students and their whānau.

Foundation Standards are the minimum standard all practices need to meet to ensure that they are eligible for capitation. It is also now being used nationally to enable other services such as maternity, COVID-19 vaccination and access to shared IT systems such as CCCM.

Jo Scott-Jones, medical director, discusses the health and disability sector review changes, the anticipated impact on general practice, and what practices can do in preparation to get ahead of the curve.

RuralFest identifies key changes needed to improve health and wellbeing in rural communities, and takes those messages to Parliament. Dr Robin Baird, Te Kauwhata GP and Dr Jo Scott-Jones, GP and medical director report back on the 2021 event.

Bharat Mahajan, a 28 year old clinical services manager – mental health for Pinnacle has won the title of Mr Gay New Zealand 2021. Already recognised as a young leader in the health sector, Bharat impressed the judges and the voting public to take the winner’s sash at The Big Gay Out in February.

In her latest blog, Jan Adams, nursing director summarises some of the hive of activity going on at Pinnacle as we begin 2021.

This week the Pinnacle Incorporated Executive Committee has written to Dr Ashley Bloomfield, Director-General of Health and Labour MPs across the Midland region asking them to reconsider lowering the screening age for Māori and Pacific people.