Economic pressures and rising living costs have meant the healthcare sector has faced significant challenges, says the chief executive of one of the three primary health organisations serving the Waikato region.
Pinnacle’s Justin Butcher said in the organisation’s annual performance report for the 12 months ended June 30, that general practice in New Zealand was under considerable strain.
“We have chronic underfunding, pay disparities between primary and secondary care, workforce shortages, increasing patient demand, and the evolving needs of our diverse and growing communities.”
Pinnacle’s Stop Smoking team and Taranaki Cervical Screening mobile nurses from left: Jacob Taiapa, Tracey Bates, Selena Batt, Taryn Gillespie, Sapphire Barron, Hannah Lang, Te Maramatanga Hohaia, Simone Schuil. Photo: Supplied.
As one of New Zealand’s largest PHOs, Pinnacle operates a network of 86 general practices across Waikato, Tairāwhiti, Taranaki, and Lakes, with half those practices located in the Waikato region serving a total of more than 265,000 enrolled patients.
“Many practices here and around the country are struggling to stay financially sustainable, with some closing their books to new patients, or at worst, their practice. The pressures are compounded by a growing and ageing population with increasingly complex healthcare needs.”
Through Extended Care Comprehensive Primary Care teams, Pinnacle continued to integrate practices with roles like nurse practitioners, paramedics, and health coaches.
Justin Butcher, during an Anzac Day shift as a critical care flight paramedic with the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
Outreach services, including immunisation and school-based health services helped reach those who needed additional support accessing essential primary care.
Pinnacle allocated more than $111.9 million in capitation funding – based on the numbers of enrolled patients – to its general practices.
Another $5.5 million went to third parties to improve primary care services, and $3.9 million for rural funding.
These efforts led to healthier communities, healthier employees, less sick days, and stronger local economies, the annual report says.
Equity remains at the heart of Pinnacle’s mission. In the reporting year, the organisation ramped up its focus on closing immunisation gaps, supporting chronic disease management, and delivering mental health care.
“Equitable healthcare reduces disparities—and more businesses are realising it’s also an economic advantage. Healthy employees contribute to resilient workforces, and a healthier workforce supports healthier businesses.”
Highlights from the report include strengthening partnerships with iwi, community organisations and education providers, and expanding healthcare teams with extended roles such as paramedics to meet the needs of communities with limited access to primary care. Pinnacle also invested in innovation and professional development through study days, cultural competency training, education, and opportunities including a primary care nurse innovation award.
“Pinnacle’s purpose is to deliver primary care that supports people to thrive by realising their health and wellbeing potential,” said Butcher.
But there are still 95,000 people not enrolled in general practice.
“A strong health system is built on high-quality primary care, which must continually evolve to meet local, regional and national needs, and address the gaps. The impact of this extends far beyond healthcare,” he said.
