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.

PHO immunisation update

Te Whatu Ora's priority for primary care is to improve childhood immunisation rates. General practice plays a key role in childhood immunisation, which is recognised through the 24-month immunisation goal as an indicator in the Quality Improvement Programme.

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Goodfellow Unit podcast: Soālaupule

In this Goodfellow Unit podcast, GP's Mamaeroa David and Va’aiga Autagavaia discuss Soālaupule, an approach that creates equity by sharing power and decision-making. Helping GPs to connect better with families to ensure trust develops, leading to better clinical outcomes.

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Rheumatic fever update

An update from Dr Jo Scott-Jones, clinical director. We all know the lifelong impact of rheumatic fever, and whilst not every case is clearly linked to a sore throat, and not everyone who gets it presents with a sore throat to their GP, we all are acutely aware of the value add we can make by simply recognising and treating people at risk.  

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Midlands Sexual Assault Support Service now accepting referrals via BPAC

Midlands Sexual Assault Support Service (MSASS) provides support, counselling and advice to anyone 18 years and over, and their whānau, who experience sexual harm in the Hamilton City area. In addition to referrals via phone, email and their website, MSASS can now receive secure, electronic referrals direct from health providers via BPAC.  MSASS is the referral destination for Hamilton City. For rural Waikato (including both North and South Waikato) Tautoko Mai is the provider. For the Hauraki/Coromandel area, CAPS Hauraki is the provider.

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Te Whatu Ora public health advisory: Be vigilant for measles in travellers from South-East Asia

NPHS is alerting healthcare professionals to an escalating risk of measles in people who have travelled to South-East Asia. This follows a rapid increase in imported measles cases reported in Australia since December 2024, all of which were linked to travel to this region. Cases have been reported in multiple states including Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.

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Pertussis (whooping cough) update

In the first 10 days of 2025 there were x3 pertussis cases in Tairawhiti, x5 cases in Taranaki, x5 cases in Lakes, x6 cases in Waikato, and x18 cases in the Bay of Plenty. Please continue to be on alert. View the key messages for GPs here.

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New Plymouth Sexual Health Clinic updated opening hours

Due to a staff vacancy, less Sexual Health Clinic appointments are currently available. Referrals from general practice are still welcomed, but please be aware patients requiring biopsy may need to be waitlisted for service. Alternatively they could be referred to other services such as dermatology, gynaecology or urology. View the updated opening hours here.

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Waikato Medical Research Foundation grant applications available

The Waikato Medical Research Foundation exists to support and encourage research within the Waikato region and to assist in the publication of the results of this research. The Foundation awards grants that contribute to the overall costs of the research project but do not fund overheads nor profit. Grant applications of up to $50,000 are welcomed.

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