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.

The Waikato Medical Research Foundation exists to support and encourage research within the Waikato region and to assist in the publication of the results of this research. The Foundation awards grants that contribute to the overall costs of the research project but do not fund overheads nor profit. Grant applications of up to $50,000 are welcomed.

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.

Te Manawa Taki (Midlands) bowel screening was added into the Patient Prompt in 2022. Te Whatu Ora is pleased to share that further enhancements were made to the Bowel Screening Patient Prompt on Wednesday 10 September.

From 1 September 2025 the eligibility criteria widened for access to COVID-19 antivirals. The new addition to the eligibility criteria allows access for people who are 50 years and over and considered by their healthcare professional to be at high risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 infection. Other access criteria remain the same.