Te Whatu Ora is exploring the use of an AI-supported symptom checker to help people navigate health services. They are seeking experienced clinicians and health sector leaders to join the Symptom Checker Governance Group, which will ensure the tool is clinically safe, culturally appropriate, evidence-based and aligned with national strategy.

A number of unions have advised Te Whatu Ora that their members are planning to strike on Thursday 23 to Friday 24 October. Patient safety will remain priority and Te Whatu Ora has agreements with the unions for life preserving services support from union members for the strike periods.

The RNZCGP is running a series of webinars, during October and November, designed to upskill clinicians on the assessment, diagnosis, investigation and management of adult ADHD before next year's changes to ADHD access through primary care.

The measles chapter of Te Whatu Ora's Communicable Disease Control Manual was updated and endorsed on 11 September 2025. Te reo Māori measles alert social media resources, and information sheets reflecting te ao Māori perspectives, are also available.

An updated information sheet is available outlining the 2025/26 primary care immunisation performance measures, designed to support achievement of the national immunisation target. The resource helps practices understand the performance framework, expectations and claiming process.

Applications are now open for the new refugee health scholarship programme, supporting former refugees to pursue health careers and strengthen community representation. The scholarship offers up to $25,000 in support and prioritises those in nursing, primary care, and community-facing roles. Applications close 15 December 2025.

The Braemar Charitable Trust helps patients access free private surgical procedures when care isn’t available through the public system and private options aren’t affordable. Their most recent event in September 2025 supported 32 patients with procedures including dental, general surgery, gynaecology, colonoscopy, and children’s ENT operations. Clinicians can apply on behalf of eligible patients.

Pathlab has introduced a mandatory tick box on all lab forms to indicate test funding eligibility. While this aims to reduce billing errors, it adds extra steps for practices. Pinnacle is in discussion with Pathlab to request a return to the previous “eligible by default” setting.

The Faecal Immunochemical Testing (FIT) for Symptomatic pathway is active in Waikato and will be introduced in other districts over the coming months. The pathway helps prioritise patients for colonoscopy and supports earlier detection of bowel cancer. Waikato practices are reminded to advise patients about the FIT process and follow up if symptoms persist after a negative result.

National standards for radiology access came into effect on 1 September. Community HealthPathways has created a summary page to help navigate the new criteria and is working with local teams to support implementation.