In this week's blog post, Justin Butcher writes about what it actually takes to make progress in rural primary care, and why relationships are at the centre of it.
Read moreSmall, practical system changes can make a meaningful difference in asthma care. Over the past two years, Pinnacle has shifted from pay-for-performance to a quality improvement programme (QIP), with a strong early focus and uptake on respiratory health – particularly asthma – in Taranaki.
Read moreKahira Davis and Taryn Gillespie have been named Pinnacle’s Kia Puāwai education fund recipients, recognising two wāhine who are committed to their communities and are ready to take the next step in their own growth.
Read moreJustin Butcher discusses that fresh thinking has a place in primary care. New ideas matter. Challenge can be healthy. But primary care is too important to be reduced to branding, slogans, or simplistic claims about what should replace what.
Read moreHealth New Zealand has issued a public health advisory regarding an ongoing global hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius. As of 13 May 2026, the risk to New Zealand remains low, with no known exposed individuals currently in New Zealand or travelling here. Clinicians should be aware of hantavirus symptoms in patients with relevant travel history and contact their local Medical Officer of Health urgently if a case is suspected.
Read moreFrom Term 3 2026, the School-Based Immunisation Programme (SBIP) will focus on delivering HPV dose 1 in schools, and HPV dose 2 will no longer be offered through schools. Whānau wishing to complete the two-dose course can access HPV dose 2 free of charge through general practice, pharmacies, and other community providers from August 2026. General practices are also strongly encouraged to offer catch-up HPV vaccination to all young people aged 14 to 26 who have not yet received any doses.
Read moreVersion 2 of the Immunisation Handbook 2026 is now available on the Health New Zealand website (currently as PDF only, with a web version expected by end of May). Key changes include a standardised 15-minute post-vaccination observation period for all vaccines, updated influenza vaccine information for the 2026 season, and revised guidance for children aged under 4 years receiving influenza vaccine for the first time. Vaccinators are encouraged to use the most current version.
Read moreQuarter 3 performance-based capitation payments for six-week immunisations will be processed on 27 May 2026. Eligible practices should expect payment from next week. Please contact your development manager if you have any queries.
Read morePractices in Taranaki, Lakes and Tairāwhiti can continue claiming funding for six-week immunisation pre-call and recall activities until 30 June 2026. This includes support for referral to outreach or other vaccination services where required. Please note this funding will end after this date.
Read moreWe are pleased to share several improvements made to the Practice Portal following feedback from practices. Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences. Your input has directly helped shape these updates.
Read morePinnacle has limited funding available to support practice managers attending the PMAANZ 2026 conference in Wellington, 17–19 September. If you'd like to be considered for partial funding, complete the expression of interest questionnaire by 30 June 2026. Successful applicants will be notified in August.
Read moreTe Whatu Ora-Taranaki paediatric dermatology referrals, for patients prior to their 15th birthday, should be directed to the 'Paediatrics-Physical Health' tab in BPAC as the 'Paediatric Dermatology' tab is being discontinued. The service criteria remain the same.
Read moreNgā Manukura is a clinical leadership programme for Māori nurses and midwives. Enrolments are still open for 2026 cohorts, with 25 places available in each, for those who meet the criteria.
Read moreThis study day is for primary care nurses and allied health who work alongside whānau living with diabetes. We will talk steroids with Dr Ryan Paul, and how to prevent elective surgery delays with Helen Morton, who will also take us through our newest prescribing resource. Some of these are topics we have covered previously, but they keep resurfacing as issues in primary care.
View eventB4 School Check refresher course (1-hour session) for registered nurse providers working in Waikato who have previously completed the two-day B4SC training.
View eventTui Ora, in partnership with Pinnacle, invites you and your team to come and discover how our services can enhance patient wellbeing, strengthening care alongside general practice. Drop in anytime between 4:00pm-7:00pm.
View eventThis month Dr Jo Scott-Jones and Dr Dave Maplesden discuss diabetes, whole body scanning, sepsis, and more.
Since November 2021 people have been able to request an assessment and if eligible receive an assisted death. Every practice needs to be prepared for this conversation.
Midland Community Pharmacy Group (MidCPG) is based in Hamilton and delivers publicly funded community pharmacy services across the Te Manawa Taki region.