Consultation is currently open focused on the 50,000 disabled people, and their whānau, who receive essential disability support after an assessment from a Needs Assessment and Service Co-ordination (NASC) organisation, or
an Enabling Good Lives (EGL) site. Disability Support Services want to stabilise disability support services so that they are fairer, more consistent, more transparent, and sustainable into the future.

The number of ear swabs submitted to Pathlab for microbiological processing has steadily increased over the last few years. The external auditory canal is not a sterile site, and the value of microbiological culture in the routine management of otitis externa and chronic suppurative otitis media is limited. Pathlab has outlined the situations they recommend ear swabs are sent to the laboratory.

The National Public Health Service (NPHS) is requesting healthcare professionals to be alert for mpox in people who attended the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras events from 14 February to 2 March 2025.

The Medical Council of New Zealand has responded to frequently asked questions about patients requesting copies of their medical records and clarified the following information.

In October 2024, Te Whatu Ora released an interim statement regarding the lifespan of pharmaceutical fridges for vaccine storage that have reached 10 years of age. The statement confirms that providers with a fridge that is reaching 10 years can continue to use the fridge and do not need to replace it as previously required. However, there is a requirement the monitoring of the vaccine fridge is changed to a remote monitoring system. Read more here.

This webinar explores sustainability in the healthcare sector. Representatives from Aotearoa New Zealand-based healthcare organisations Hato Hone St John, Tū Ora Compass Health, and Wise Group shared about their sustainability journeys, key learnings and advice, and the link between healthy people, healthy communities and a healthy planet.

Te Whatu Ora's priority for primary care is to improve childhood immunisation rates. General practice plays a key role in childhood immunisation, which is recognised through the 24-month immunisation goal as an indicator in the Quality Improvement Programme.

This survey is being circulated by the Immunisation Advisory Centre (IMAC) on behalf of researchers at the Universities of Auckland and Otago. The survey is designed to understand the changing barriers, challenges, and facilitators to vaccine uptake in pēpi and tamariki according to the frontline vaccinator workforce in Aotearoa New Zealand. They are also wanting to understand what support vaccinators need to work effectively with whānau to support immunisation uptake.

In this Goodfellow Unit podcast, GP's Mamaeroa David and Va’aiga Autagavaia discuss Soālaupule, an approach that creates equity by sharing power and decision-making. Helping GPs to connect better with families to ensure trust develops, leading to better clinical outcomes.

Midlands Sexual Assault Support Service (MSASS) provides support, counselling and advice to anyone 18 years and over, and their whānau, who experience sexual harm in the Hamilton City area. In addition to referrals via phone, email and their website, MSASS can now receive secure, electronic referrals direct from health providers via BPAC. 

MSASS is the referral destination for Hamilton City. For rural Waikato (including both North and South Waikato) Tautoko Mai is the provider. For the Hauraki/Coromandel area, CAPS Hauraki is the provider.