The Braemar Charitable Trust helps patients access free private surgical procedures when care isn’t available through the public system and private options aren’t affordable. Their most recent event in September 2025 supported 32 patients with procedures including dental, general surgery, gynaecology, colonoscopy, and children’s ENT operations. Clinicians can apply on behalf of eligible patients.

Pathlab has introduced a mandatory tick box on all lab forms to indicate test funding eligibility. While this aims to reduce billing errors, it adds extra steps for practices. Pinnacle is in discussion with Pathlab to request a return to the previous “eligible by default” setting.

The Faecal Immunochemical Testing (FIT) for Symptomatic pathway is active in Waikato and will be introduced in other districts over the coming months. The pathway helps prioritise patients for colonoscopy and supports earlier detection of bowel cancer. Waikato practices are reminded to advise patients about the FIT process and follow up if symptoms persist after a negative result.

National standards for radiology access came into effect on 1 September. Community HealthPathways has created a summary page to help navigate the new criteria and is working with local teams to support implementation.

The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners funds activities that benefit general practice, rural general practice and rural hospital medicine. Applicants don’t need to be doctors or College members to apply. Grants are generally awarded to individuals, though organisations may also be considered. Up to 15 applications are reviewed each round, with others carried forward. The current funding round closes 1 October 2025. 

Te Whatu Ora has confirmed that authorised vaccinators require either a prescription or a Standing Order to administer adrenaline for post-vaccination anaphylaxis. This is a clarification of the Medicines Regulations 1984 (44A), which do not cover adrenaline. A Standing Order template and FAQs are available on the Te Whatu Ora Prevention–Immunisation Dropbox, along with additional guidance and resources.

A revised fees review process has been endorsed by PSAAP. The fees framework and fees review process are set out in clause F22 of the PHO services agreement. In 2024, PSAAP initiated a working group to review this process as it was seen as time-consuming and costly for providers, and in most cases did not result in any recommended changes to the fees set by providers.

To help Te Whatu Ora understand the potential interest from primary care employers, they are asking for expressions of interest (EOIs) from general practices who may want to host placements from 2026.

Scholarships of up to $45,000 a year will be available for 120 registered nurses working in primary or community care. The funding can cover tuition, incentives for you and your employer, and travel/accommodation if needed. Applications close 30 September.

Pinnacle wants your feedback on Te Whatu Ora’s expectations around fees for urgent and acute GP appointments. Your views will help inform our advocacy and discussions with Te Whatu Ora. This issue may also be discussed as part of the PSAAP process, so you might also wish to share your feedback with your contracted provider negotiator.