|
The New Year saw the arrival of HealthWEST, the first Primary
Health Organisation (PHO) in West Auckland and in the Waitemata
District.
Kay McKelvie, Chair of the Waitemata District Health Board
says that PHOs are a priority for the Board and she is delighted
that the first contract has been signed. “The establishment
of PHOs is a cornerstone of the Government’s Primary
Health Care Strategy to improve people’s access to primary
health care services and address health inequalities experienced
by the lower socio-economic groups. PHOs are the mechanism
which, over time, will assist in making significant improvements
in the overall health status of our communities. If we focus
on keeping people well in their communities, there will be
fewer people requiring expensive hospital care. No-one likes
having to go into hospital and early care aims to prevent
illnesses becoming serious and permanent.”
HealthWEST has 32 registered providers, including 85 GPs
and their practice nurses, and over time intends to co-ordinate
additional primary care services, for example palliative care
providers, various therapy professionals, community pharmacies
and non-government organisations (NGOs ). HealthWEST has an
enrolled population of around 140,000 and is eligible for
the interim funding allocation. Individual patient enrolment
is voluntary at this point.
Dr. Lannes Johnson, interim Chair of HealthWEST, is pleased
to be leading this new health initiative and recognises the
advantages of additional funding to assist in meeting the
needs of Maori, Pacific Island and lower socio-economic groups
in the district. “PHOs are the most exciting advance
in health funding since social security began in 1938. The
new funding allows better and more comprehensive primary care
in West Auckland and will available nationally over the next
few years. We will be doing our very best to ensure that the
Government’s Primary Care Strategy is implemented in
West Auckland. It will ensure that those with least will get
access to the very best of care.”
The PHO concept takes a more proactive approach in keeping
people well through ongoing care, health checks and reminders,
health promotion and education.
PHOs will be funded and monitored by district health boards.
Through PHOs resources will be focused on those individuals
most in need of healthcare and will provide greater access
to a more coordinated range of services.
More information on PHOs and enrolment can be found on the
Ministry of Health web site www.moh.govt.nz
Ends
For further information contact:
Celia Palmer (Waitemata DHB)
(09) 486 8920 Ext 3572
Alan Greenslade,
General Manager HealthWEST
(09) 836 1721
|
