Since the introduction of Empagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor (Jardiance) to the tool box for the management of type 2 diabetes in February, there has been a small but noticeable national increase in the number of people presenting to hospital in euglycaemic diabetic ketoacidosis.

The Waikato Medical Research Foundation exists to support and encourage research within the Waikato region and to assist in the publication of the results of this research. As limited funding is available to the Trustees, partial funding may be offered as a grant-in aid for larger projects (to a maximum of $30,000).

The GPNZ 7 October newsletter edition is now available, featuring an update from Dr Jeff Lowe, Ministry of Health COVID-19 vaccination push, GPNZ's next Tumu Whakarae applications, funding for assisted dying services update and more.

Southern Cross Hospital requesting urgent tests for their asymptomatic patients pre surgery have been reminded of the impact of this request.

An update from GPNZ.

From Monday 11 October the Taranaki COVID-19 Testing Team move to an e-ordering system for COVID-19 test results, changing how patients and GPs are notified of these results.

Some of you may have seen the 'Doctors stand up for vaccination' letter. Pinnacle has spoken to the RNZCGP and IMAC clinical advisors who agree it is important to show the volume of people who support the vaccination program to protect our community and health care system.

Green Prescription is a programme that provides support and motivation to adults 18 years and over, with the aim to improve their health through physical activity and healthy lifestyle changes. The free programme is delivered predominantly through phone support, however face to face meetings are available.

The Waikato Postgraduate Medicine Inc (WPGMI) is an incorporated society run by medical practitioners for medical practitioners. It is a registered provider of continuing medical education and programmes are endorsed with CME accreditation. Membership is free to GPs in the Waikato thanks to the ongoing support of the Waikato DHB.

Waikato DHB is organising to give general practice access to clinical work station (CWS) again. All practices have been sent certificate emails from the DHB. Any practices that haven't responded to this email will not yet have CWS installed.