New Plan For PHOs Gives Clear Direction For Primary Care
The Royal NZ College of General Practitioners has welcomed the new “Minimum Requirements for Primary Health
Organisations” document released by the Minister of Health today.
College President Dr Helen Rodenburg says the paper “recognises the unique and important roles of GPs, nurses and other
providers within the sector and allows scope for different models of PHO to develop.
“One size does not fit all in primary care,” Dr Rodenburg says. “A structure which might work in the Far North would be
inappropriate for central Christchurch, and vice versa. But the Minister while adhering to the government allows room
for the development of a variety of structures and solutions to meet community health needs.
“It also permits organisations presently working in the sector, such as IPAs, to make the transition to PHO status a
complete restructuring of the existing management structure which many primary care providers have chosen.
“It a place in the development of PHOs and the ongoing delivery of quality primary care,” Dr Rodenburg noted.
ends
Contact: Dr Helen Rodenburg (04) 383-6972 or (021) 650-203
Claire Austin, CEO (04) 496-5990 or (021) 606-154
or: Rex Widerstrom (04) 496-5962 or (025) 549-637