The interim Te Pae Tata, New Zealand Health Plan, identifies that strengthening primary and community care helps reduce the risk and burden of disease, reduces demand for more costly and intensive specialist care, and ultimately achieves better and more equitable health and wellbeing outcomes for New Zealanders.
Te Whatu Ora is introducing new funding to support the development of the primary and community health workforce.
The new funding will focus on further education and skills development for health workers in the primary and community care workforce (i.e. employed by PHOs, GP practices, Hauora Māori and Pacific community providers, or aged care providers).
Te Pae Tata also requires action with a strong focus on improving equity and access to primary health care. Research shows that expanding the skill mix available to primary care teams increases community access and improves equity outcomes. Comprehensive primary care teams within local provider networks support this and have a priority focus on Māori, Pacific, and rural people.
Visit the Te Whatu Ora website for additional information and eligibility criteria.
Dr Jo Scott-Jones shares his thoughts on the workforce crisis, likening it to the perceived impossibility of the Chernobyl disaster.
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