Pinnacle clinical director Jo Scott-Jones has been appointed an Honorary Associate Professor in the Division of Health at the University of Waikato for the leadership he has shown in rural health.

With the annual increase in funding for general practices falling well short of expectations, it’s difficult not to be cynical about the future of primary healthcare in Aotearoa New Zealand.

A recent study by the Centre for Health Systems and Technology at the University of Otago, commissioned by General Practice New Zealand, has revealed the urgent need to address unmet healthcare needs and variations in referral declined rates in New Zealand.

We're thrilled to announce Hinetu Kallon Nikora, a patient service representative in our Patient Access Centre (PAC), as the inaugural recipient of Kia Puāwai, Pinnacle’s Māori Education Fund.

We received 40 responses to our survey on the new government’s 100-day action plan, and the repeal of SERPA and Smokefree 2025 legislation. Thank you to everyone who took time to respond. While 40 is not a large amount given the number of general practice staff across the network, the feedback does align with what we are hearing directly from practices, and gives us a good understanding of where our advocacy efforts need to be.

Ngā mihi nui to everyone who completed the Pinnacle General Practice Workforce Survey 2023. We’re pleased to let you know the reports are now published.

Katoa, a new customised app, will make it easier for Pinnacle staff and the Midlands Health Network to learn and use Māori language, culture and customs in their day-to-day work. Katoa aims to support Pinnacle’s efforts to build a culturally aware health workforce across the network.

Pinnacle supports and is excited by the potential establishment of a third medical school through Waikato University.

Yesterday the health minister announced a pay increase of 8 per cent on average for practice and community nurses and kaiāwhina. This is a start and some good news after 12 months of advocacy for pay parity for this workforce.

Dr Jo Scott-Jones, medical director, highlights an upcoming Medical Protection Society webinar, and also comments on the Supreme Court’s rejection of a GP's appeal in a case of vicarious liability.