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Hi,
I have been writing an article on the GP shortage in Wairarapa and asked the primary health organisation Compass to let me know what their strategy is. I was unable to put all their info in the article so I thought I would post it on Neighbourly for you to read. Here is what they said:
In … View moreHi,
I have been writing an article on the GP shortage in Wairarapa and asked the primary health organisation Compass to let me know what their strategy is. I was unable to put all their info in the article so I thought I would post it on Neighbourly for you to read. Here is what they said:
In the last week Masterton Medical Ltd (MML) has been hit by a combination of staff sickness and the sudden departure of a fulltime GP. As a result MML has temporarily closed its books and is not available for routine casual appointments.
The vast majority (nearly 100%) of our Wairarapa population is enrolled and will be able to access appointments with their general practice as normal. MML runs acute clinics and ensures all enrolled patients with an urgent need are seen promptly. Our current challenge is with meeting the needs of casual patients – those who are not enrolled. All practices will continue to see urgent casual patients (where urgency is clinically indicated). However, our clinical workforce is so tight the practices are currently struggling to see non-urgent casuals.
Several practices are seeing casual patients, and are enrolling – Martinborough, Featherston, and Greytown, but they are some distance geographically from Masterton. This week Carterton and Masterton Medical are trying to free up staff to see other casual patients as soon as possible. It is unfortunate that this situation has arisen at the time when across the system we are feeling the effects of winter, which simultaneously reduces supply and increases demand.
This immediate situation is a result of the unplanned departure of a specific GP, a retirement of an older GP, and winter demand combined with winter illness. However, it is a symptom of a broader systematic problem; our Wairarapa population has been growing recently, and we need to also grow our labour force. Our enrolled population of over 65-year olds grew by 5.8% in the 12 months to 1 July 2018. Not only do all these people need GPs, the elderly often have more complex conditions and need to see a GP more often and for longer. At the same time recruiting clinical staff is difficult and costly in rural and provincial areas. It can cost a practice between $40k-$60k to recruit a GP and it is currently hard to attract and retain clinicians in the Wairarapa.
Masterton Medical has been doing a lot to recruit new GPs and to meet the additional demand, but we do need a more a more complete solution.
The medium term strategy is to strengthen primary care through the Health Care Home programme and by recruiting additional permanent GPs to the area. Tū Ora Compass Health is working to help recruit GPs to the smaller practices, including Greytown and Kuripuni.
MML has a good pipeline of GPs and can generally manage their own demand well – notwithstanding the current unusual situation. Featherston Medical is well staffed and expanding.
The other medium term sustainable solution which the DHB and PHO are working together on is to move all Wairarapa practices to the Health Care Home Model over the next 3 years. This will free up capacity and build on the good quality care already received by our enrolled population. The programme involves making better use of nursing staff and nurse practitioners – providing the opportunity to have all staff operating at the top of their scope. It will make the Wairarapa a more attractive destination for younger GPs, and help with recruitment and retention. I believe we will be the first complete district to be working in the new model which provides great opportunities for us to improve services for our patients.
Phillips 26" TV great working condition. Approx 10 years old but has not had a lot of use for the past 8 years. Freeview box included with remotes for TV and Freeview. Has the cabinet to sit on and the manuals included. Please PM me if interested.
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Does anyone have any young trees in pots for sale? I'm surrounded by them around Featherston but have no idea where to obtain them from. Thanks.
My Challenge is a new rewards programme designed for you and your local community. It's different because you can either keep and use your fuel discount or donate it to local Wellington community groups.
You'll also earn 1 point for every $1 you spend, which you can redeem for rewards … View moreMy Challenge is a new rewards programme designed for you and your local community. It's different because you can either keep and use your fuel discount or donate it to local Wellington community groups.
You'll also earn 1 point for every $1 you spend, which you can redeem for rewards in store. Register before 31 October and go in the draw to win 1 of 5 $100 fuel vouchers. My Challenge - locals get it.
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Brenden Jacobsen is the Managing Director of Ninness Funeral Home and feels proud and privileged to be the longest-serving practicing funeral director in Porirua City.
Having grown up in Pauatahanui, Brenden was educated locally before attending St Patrick’s College, Silverstream. Brenden … View moreBrenden Jacobsen is the Managing Director of Ninness Funeral Home and feels proud and privileged to be the longest-serving practicing funeral director in Porirua City.
Having grown up in Pauatahanui, Brenden was educated locally before attending St Patrick’s College, Silverstream. Brenden commenced his career in funeral services in 2001 and has completed studies and qualifications in Embalming and Funeral Directing.
Brenden is a member of the NZ Embalmers Association and is a registered funeral director with the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand.
Brenden has a wide range of interests including travelling, spending time with friends, collecting antiques and reading.
Hi neighbours! The judges from the Beautiful Awards, run by Keep New Zealand Beautiful, are keen to find out who you would pick as the most beautiful NZ city out of the two finalists below.
The two cities have been picked as they demonstrate sustainable and environmentally conscious behaviours… View moreHi neighbours! The judges from the Beautiful Awards, run by Keep New Zealand Beautiful, are keen to find out who you would pick as the most beautiful NZ city out of the two finalists below.
The two cities have been picked as they demonstrate sustainable and environmentally conscious behaviours across key areas, such as litter prevention & waste minimisation, community beautification, recycling projects and sustainable tourism.
Have you heard of the Beautiful Awards? they celebrate environmental excellence and recognise positive actions taken by communities, businesses, schools, individuals and councils, in local and urban areas to protect and enhance their local environments
Note: this poll runs externally from the Beautiful Awards and responses will not be included in the judging process.
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