Network Asks Boards to Discuss PHO Decision

Press Release – NZRGPN

Southland and Otago health board bosses have been asked to attend a meeting of concerned general practitioners to explain their recent decision to opt for single Southland and Otago PHOs.

The call has been made by the New Zealand Rural General Practice Network, which has invited Southland board chairman Paul Menzies, Otago board chairman Errol Millar and their respective board members and CEO Brian Rousseau to explain the processes leading up to the recent decision to opt for one Otago PHO and one Southland PHO.

Amongst the options tabled were: to stick with the status quo of nine PHOs across the two regions, one super PHO for both Otago and Southland or two separate PHOs in each area – Otago and Southland. There are currently four PHOs in Southland.

New Zealand Rural General Practice Network chairwoman Kirsty Murrell-McMillan says she has been contacted by Southland general practitioners and practice owners who have expressed their “extreme concern” about the process undertaken and the decision reached on the issue.

“They want to meet with the DHB chairs and their boards to discuss the implications of their decision and the processes involved.”

“I cannot stress enough the extreme concern and unhappiness that the practice owners and general practitioners have expressed around the events that unfolded during this past week,” she said.

Ms Murrell-McMillan and NZRGPN CEO Michelle Meads will facilitate the meeting to be held at the Lumsden Medical Centre on Tuesday, October 20 at 6.30pm.

ENDS

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