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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.
The University of Waikato is offering a specialised primary, community and rural pathway as part of their postgraduate programme in Health Science, commencing in Trimester B, 2025 with HLTSC561 - Primary Healthcare Practice.
Read moreThe provision of extended immunisation services is part of the kaupapa to improve childhood immunisation rates by offering services at a time that suit whānau who cannot attend during regular practice hours. These practices will offer childhood immunisations to both enrolled and non-enrolled whānau. Whānau are encouraged to contact these clinics directly to enquire about attending as booking in advance is preferable, however they will also accept walk ins.
Read moreFollowing the very successful free Community Surgery days last year, Braemar Hospital will again be opening its doors for a free surgery day on Saturday 13 September. GPs can submit referrals for patients who have been declined, are facing a significant wait time in the public system, and do not have health insurance, ACC cover, nor the financial means to fund private treatment for a number of procedures. Referrals should be made no later than Thursday 31 July 2025.
Read moreThe Assisted Dying service is sharing this update about the service specifications, payments and process in the hope of stimulating interest in doctors and nurse practitioners in becoming providers. As with all end of life care, this is complex work that can be incredibly rewarding. Dr Jo is happy to have a conversation with individuals or teams about the Assisted Dying service.
Read moreThere is only a short time left for practices to claim their six-week immunisations under the pre-call/recall funding initiative. Data from the Aotearoa Immunisation Register (AIR) suggests there are number of six-week immunisations currently un-claimed. This funding aims to support practices with the time and effort required to undertake good pre-call/recall processes, and where required, referral to outreach or other vaccination service providers.
Read moreFunding is now available for primary care, community, and rural health providers who are committed to supporting graduate registered nurses (RN) as they transition into practice. To be eligible for placement funding, employers must employ a graduate RN, provide preceptorship and clinical support, and hire the graduate RN for a minimum of 0.6 FTE for a period of 12 months or more.
Read moreNew guidance has been published on the prevention of rheumatic fever. There are many changes in this comprehensive document from previous guidelines, with much more emphasis on equity, and social determinants of health and their impact, and how those risks can be mitigated. There are also changes to the guidance on the identification and management of strep A infections. Read more here and on our new rheumatic fever resources page.
Read morePathlab utilise bpac guidelines to reflex FT4 and/or FT3 based on TSH results. This process is fully automatic, and the reflex tests are reported with the TSH result. Pathlab is seeing many requests for FT4 where the TSH is within reference limits. Some of these requests may be valid and they do not want to restrict useful tests. However, FT4 is often requested with TSH for no good reason. Pathlab will shortly be removing FT4 from the front page of the electronic order form. It will remain searchable and requestable to requestors. Their intention is to encourage best practice as detailed in the bpac guidelines
Read moreOn 1 July 2025, Te Whatu Ora is moving the courses currently available on LearnOnline to their two main learning sites – Ko Awatea Learn and healthLearn. If you have completed training on LearnOnline and wish to have a record of completion and any associated certificates, please log into LearnOnline before 30 June 2025 and download them.
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