The team at Health Ngatea were desperate for more GPs when they heard how introducing a physician associate (PA) had helped ease workforce pressures in other practices. They haven’t looked back since.

This annual performance report is a comprehensive summary of the highlights, challenges, milestones and discoveries we've experienced. We reflect on our progress against strategy, and performance against key system level and organisational measures.

Newly appointed Pinnacle chief executive, Justin Butcher, can see both challenges and opportunities ahead in Aotearoa New Zealand’s changing health landscape. With a background in frontline health services, project management and innovative leadership, he shares his vision for a strong, adaptable, and responsive health system that meets the needs of future generations.

Ongoing use of the Pinnacle rural accelerated chest pain pathway by general practices has highlighted how point of care testing can improve health equity in rural communities, and reduce hospital referrals to overloaded emergency departments.

Pinnacle nursing director Jan Adams has been awarded as an Honorary Professor of Te Huataki Waiora School of Health at University of Waikato, following her work with the university to establish its Bachelor of Nursing programme.

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

Waikato people are quitting smoking in higher numbers than just about anywhere else in Aotearoa New Zealand, and the statistics are particularly positive for Māori and pregnant women in the region.

Sue van Mierlo is a nurse practitioner working as part of the Lakes Extended Care Team. In her role she supports people to self-manage long-term conditions and diseases, including managing diabetes. A large number of her clients are Māori.

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.

Pinnacle’s growing mātanga tapuhi nurse practitioner and nurse prescriber workforce is having a significant impact across the network, relieving pressure on GPs, providing patients with greater access to healthcare, and reducing acute calls and hospital admissions.