Community Based Attachments (CBAs) are three-month placements where new doctors (PGY1 and 2) work in general practice under close supervision. They provide a valuable opportunity for practices to contribute to the development of the next generation of GPs, while receiving some funding support. Accredited practices play a vital role in offering safe, meaningful experiences for junior doctors — experiences that have been described as career-shaping, and even career-saving. If your practice is interested in exploring accreditation to host PGY doctors, please get in touch.

Te Whatu Ora is implementing mandatory national criteria for Community Referred Radiology from 1 September, 2025. Referrals not meeting these guidelines will be declined. This is intended to standardise access to imaging across Aotearoa and improve equity of care.

Scholarships of up to $45,000 a year will be available for 120 registered nurses working in primary or community care. The funding can cover tuition, incentives for you and your employer, and travel/accommodation if needed.

You can now find quick links to Continuing Medical Education (CME) and the Professional Development pathway on the right-hand side of the HealthPathways site. Just above the CME page link, you’ll also see a link to BMJ Best Practice. Te Whatu Ora has written a short guide with instructions on how to access BMJ via HealthPathways, along with a support contact if you need assistance. 

From October 2025, BreastScreen Aotearoa will begin extending free breast screening to women up to age 74 (Nelson/Marlborough began as a pilot in 2024). The rollout will be phased in gradually, with full implementation by 2029. This is the first age extension in over 20 years and is expected to save an additional 22 lives each year through earlier detection and treatment.

From 15 August-10 November 2025, the Stratford x-ray facility and service is unavailable while the old x-ray equipment is upgraded to a new digital unit. To ensure continuity of care, additional appointments are available at Taranaki Base Hospital, Hawera Hospital and Waitara Healthcare Centre.

This eight week course comprises 150 hours of learning equating to approximately 10 hours of study per week. The aim of this micro credential is to develop participant's proficiency in the principles, knowledge and practice of trauma informed care, when caring for people with multidimensional experiences of trauma, and their whānau.

Implementation of the FIT for Symptomatic clinical pathway in the Waikato took place 11 August. Supporting documents are available to ensure you and your patients have the information needed.

Pinnacle-wide Te Whatu Ora updates regarding the Community Referred Radiology (CRR) Programme, dengue fever and the latest new and updated HealthPathways pathways.

From September 2025, all children under five can receive the fully funded meningococcal B vaccine (Bexsero), allowing those who missed doses in their first year to complete the course. Around 77,000 children are expected to benefit.
Pharmac is also simplifying access to funded Covid medications—people over 50, and those at risk of complications, can receive treatment from 1 September, alongside continued access for immunocompromised and vulnerable people under 50.