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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.
Pinnacle 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 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 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 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 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.
Read moreFrom 15 August-10 November 2025, the Stratford x-ray facility and service is unavailable while the old x-ray equipment is upgraded to a new digital unit. To ensure continuity of care, additional appointments are available at Taranaki Base Hospital, Hawera Hospital and Waitara Healthcare Centre.
Read moreTe Whatu Ora is implementing mandatory national criteria for Community Referred Radiology from 1 September, 2025. Referrals not meeting these guidelines will be declined. This is intended to standardise access to imaging across Aotearoa and improve equity of care.
Read moreYou can now find quick links to Continuing Medical Education (CME) and the Professional Development pathway on the right-hand side of the HealthPathways site. Just above the CME page link, you’ll also see a link to BMJ Best Practice. Te Whatu Ora has written a short guide with instructions on how to access BMJ via HealthPathways, along with a support contact if you need assistance.
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