Network updates

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.

New rheumatic fever guidelines

New 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.

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Consultation on the regulatory framework for Assistant / Associate Psychologists (AP)

The New Zealand Psychologists Board is now consulting on the development of a regulatory framework for a new scope of practice, currently being referred to as Assistant / Associate Psychologist. View the full consultation document, feedback form and plain language summary here on our website. You can provide your feedback using the online survey or via email to the New Zealand Psychologists Board. The consultation is open until 16 June 2025.

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PSAAP – PHO Services Agreement Amendment Protocol

Negotiations between PHOs and Te Whatu Ora Health NZ kicked off last week. For those practices who nominated Pinnacle MHN as their agent, Dr Jo Scott-Jones is representing you in the contracted provider caucus and has been selected as one of the four negotiators. It is important your practice is connected in these negotiations. If your practice does not know who your contracted provider caucus representative is, and you'd like to sign up with Pinnacle, please contact Yazmin Dorey, senior administrator.

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MedTech practices: ‘Evolution Immunisation Update - April 2025’ does not apply retrospectively to historical records

Further to Te Whatu Ora AIR update communication, please note the ‘Evolution Immunisation Update - April 2025’ does not apply retrospectively to historical records. Practices should continue to follow their usual processes for managing changes to historical immunisation records—for example, where appropriate updating PCV10 to PCV13. The national AIR team currently has a programme of work underway to explore technical solutions to better support this in the future.

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Planned strike by ASMS union members Thursday 1 May

Te Whatu Ora has received notice that senior doctors who are Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS) members plan to strike for 24 hours on Thursday 1 May (from 00.01am to 23.59pm). The nationwide strike is planned for all Te Whatu Ora hospitals and services where ASMS members are employed.

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Diabetes update: Ryzodeg® 70/30 Penfill® insulin

A new formulation of insulin will be available from 1 May 2025. Ryzodeg® 70/30 contains insulin degludec (an ultra-long-acting insulin) and insulin aspart (rapid acting mealtime insulin) administered in one injection. This is licensed for patients aged 6 years and over. This is the first true long-acting insulin funded in Aotearoa. It has an elimination half-life of 25 hours, so remains in the body for a few days. Ryzodeg® 70/30 insulin must therefore only be injected up to a maximum of twice daily, with particular care taken when prescribing for the elderly population.

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