Hauora Taiwhenua held a webinar, seeking feedback on two important pieces of work affecting rural general practice and offer you the chance to share your thoughts.

An insightful webinar exploring the role that Physician Associates (PA’s) could make as part of primary care teams in New Zealand’s rural healthcare system. Shelly will kick off the session by discussing the Physician Associate role, including their training, registration process, and professional responsibilities. Following this Scott and Karl will share their experiences using Physician Associates in rural general practice and hospitals, highlighting contributions to improving healthcare delivery in their rural communities. Hauora Taiwhenua Clinical Director, Dr Jeremy Webber will be hosting the webinar. Following the presentation, there was an open Q&A session where attendees can have their questions answered. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the potential contributions of Physician Associates in rural healthcare.

The EOLC Act 2019 is the legal framework for AD in New Zealand. On Nov 7 2021, AD became a part of the health and disability system. Our Speakers: Michael Nestmann - Health New Zealand - Manager Autonomy Team, Living Well National Commissioning Dr Jo Scott-Jones - Pinnacle Health - Clinical Director, and Rural GP Topics covered are: The EOLC Act 2019 and obligations for health practitioners How the Code of Rights and the Act work together The Assisted dying processes Your role in the process How to respond when a person raises Assisted dying Training and Support Key Data Update on the EOLC review Q & A

Dr Ross Lawrenson, Director of Medicine and Professor in Population Health at the University of Waikato, presented on the development of the third Waikato Medical School, offering insights into its planning, goals, and expected impact on healthcare in the region.

Last year NZNO succeeded in a pay equity claim against Te Whatu Ora to raise the pay rates of nurses, based on gender discrimination, to the same rates as those professions that have similar responsibilities, but are male dominated. Those increases were then passed on to the nurses employed by Te Whatu Ora through payments by the Government to fund those increases.

Please see here for the webinar presented by the HPV Primary Screening Project Team, supporting the transition to HPV testing as the primary screen for cervical cancer prevention in Aotearoa New Zealand.