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Previously called Pin Points
In this section we share clinical and practice operations updates from Pinnacle and the wider health sector. Use the search box and filters to help find what you’re looking for.
Have an update you’d like to share? Email us.
To help Te Whatu Ora understand the potential interest from primary care employers, they are asking for expressions of interest (EOIs) from general practices who may want to host placements from 2026.
Read moreScholarships of up to $45,000 a year will be available for 120 registered nurses working in primary or community care. The funding can cover tuition, incentives for you and your employer, and travel/accommodation if needed. Applications close 30 September.
Read morePinnacle wants your feedback on Te Whatu Ora’s expectations around fees for urgent and acute GP appointments. Your views will help inform our advocacy and discussions with Te Whatu Ora. This issue may also be discussed as part of the PSAAP process, so you might also wish to share your feedback with your contracted provider negotiator.
Read moreTe Manawa Taki (Midlands) bowel screening was added into the Patient Prompt in 2022. Te Whatu Ora is pleased to share that further enhancements were made to the Bowel Screening Patient Prompt on Wednesday 10 September.
Read moreThe Foot Protection Service (FPS) has a significant podiatry vacancy. This is impacting on their ability to meet the demands on the service. To manage this staffing deficit, they are temporarily modifying the referral acceptance criteria, to ensure they are providing assessment and intervention for those patients with the highest clinical risk.
Read moreFrom 1 September 2025 the eligibility criteria widened for access to COVID-19 antivirals. The new addition to the eligibility criteria allows access for people who are 50 years and over and considered by their healthcare professional to be at high risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 infection. Other access criteria remain the same.
Read moreThe University of Otago is inviting health professionals who vaccinate adults to complete a short survey about needle length use in bigger-bodied patients. It’s anonymous, takes 10–15 minutes, and you’ll go in the draw for a $100 voucher.
Read moreTe Whatu Ora invites GPs to apply for membership of the Renal Regional Clinical Service Network (Renal RCSN) as a primary care representative.
Read moreFrom October 2025, BreastScreen Aotearoa will begin extending free breast screening to women up to age 74 (Nelson/Marlborough began as a pilot in 2024). The rollout will be phased in gradually, with full implementation by 2029. This is the first age extension in over 20 years and is expected to save an additional 22 lives each year through earlier detection and treatment.
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