In his latest blog, Jo Scott-Jones, medical director asks how we address the perception that practice owners don't acknowledge equity as an issue and don't invest in addressing equity issues, and poses some answers.

Sue van Mierlo is a nurse practitioner working as part of the Lakes Extended Care Team. In her role she supports people to self-manage long-term conditions and diseases, including managing diabetes. A large number of her clients are Māori.

On a mission to reduce barriers to healthcare for rangatahi in low-decile schools, clinicians in the Waikato SBHS are using a collaborative care model that is improving health outcomes and engagement for students and their whānau.

Pinnacle’s growing mātanga tapuhi nurse practitioner and nurse prescriber workforce is having a significant impact across the network, relieving pressure on GPs, providing patients with greater access to healthcare, and reducing acute calls and hospital admissions.

Under chief executive Christine Hall’s leadership, Ventures is now focused on two key areas: not for profit ownership of a network of practices via Primary Health Care Ltd, and maximising the potential of technology to enable better health outcomes.

A proposed education clinic for tamariki with eczema and dermititis has received the 2021 Pinnacle Medical Scholarship, including $10,000 in funding to support the initiative.

Jo Scott-Jones, medical director, discusses the health and disability sector review changes, the anticipated impact on general practice, and what practices can do in preparation to get ahead of the curve.

Bharat Mahajan, a 28 year old clinical services manager – mental health for Pinnacle has won the title of Mr Gay New Zealand 2021. Already recognised as a young leader in the health sector, Bharat impressed the judges and the voting public to take the winner’s sash at The Big Gay Out in February.

Every fortnight inside a whare at Parihaka Papakāinga in Taranaki, people can be found laughing and catching up with whānau in the Whakaihu Taiora clinic waiting room. They’re there because of a new health initiative designed to respond to community need.

When practice nurse Huia Brady heard about the Pinnacle nursing scholarship aimed at improving equity and access in primary care, she saw an opportunity to make positive change for patients.