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.

Taranaki Awanui HPV results delay

The National Cervical Screening Programme has advised that on 31 March Awanui identified a technical issue with their HPV testing system and paused all outgoing messages while working to resolve it. If you receive a result that shows HG cytology, please refer to colposcopy. Do not wait for HPV results.

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RNZCGP: Ka Hono collegial support

Bay of Plenty/Waikato Faculty of RNZCGP invites all GPs (including non-faculty members) and GP registrars in the GPEP programme (years 1-3) to register for collegial support service – Ka Hono.

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Pathlab Eclair upgrade update

Some users are experiencing issues with éclair eOrders, including slowness and timeouts. Pathlab has resolved most known issues but is still monitoring for others. There may be some ongoing issues for several weeks around available patient history.

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Vagenius Training: Persistent Pelvic Pain

This RNZCGP and RANZCOG-approved course is designed to empower GPs and nurse practitioners to avoid overwhelm, while giving effective care to patients with persistent pelvic pain, including endometriosis and adenomyosis.

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Mental health professional development topic feedback

Later this year, the team at Waikato University Student Health are planning a professional development day for all general practitioners and nurse practitioners, focussed on mental health. They're looking for feedback on topics to cover during this workshop. If you have comment and/or critique on their proposed topics, please contact Steven Lillis, Student Health GP.

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Pathlab: Sample retention period changes

Due to workload increase and capacity constraints in Pathlab's refrigerated stockyard, they are no longer able to store blood samples for the previous duration of seven days. Effective immediately, serum samples will be stored for four days and EDTA samples will be stored for two days. Please ensure that any required follow-up testing or additional requests are submitted within the revised storage timeframes to avoid potential issues.

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Bexsero vaccine errors

There has been an increase in reported vaccine errors, particularly due to the incorrect spacing of the Bexsero vaccine doses. It has been recognised that the Patient Management Systems often fail to recognise when a Bexsero dose is administered late, subsequently not accounting for the required 8-week or 6-month intervals. To assist with ensuring the correct scheduling of the Bexsero vaccine, the Immunisation Advisory Centre (IMAC) has provided an error warning document.

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