Te Whatu Ora updates
Pinnacle-wide Te Whatu Ora updates regarding the Community Referred Radiology (CRR) Programme, dengue fever and the latest new and updated HealthPathways pathways.
Read moreNetwork 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.
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Pharmac updates
From September 2025, all children under five can receive the fully funded meningococcal B vaccine (Bexsero), allowing those who missed doses in their first year to complete the course. Around 77,000 children are expected to benefit. Pharmac is also simplifying access to funded Covid medications—people over 50, and those at risk of complications, can receive treatment from 1 September, alongside continued access for immunocompromised and vulnerable people under 50.
Read moreParamedic prescribing – your feedback needed
Te Kaunihera Manapou | Paramedic Council is exploring the possibility of paramedics in Aotearoa New Zealand gaining prescribing authority. The Council is seeking early feedback from paramedics, stakeholders across the health sector, and the public on how familiar you are with prescribing, your level of support, and safeguards or training you think are needed.
Read moreGrowing the primary and community nursing workforce
Te Whatu Ora is pleased to share three new funding opportunities to grow and support the primary and community care nursing workforce. These new funding opportunities aim to support new nurses to start their careers in the community, grow the pipeline of nurse practitioners and increase access to prescribing and advanced nursing care.
Read moreNew clinical guidelines for ADHD diagnosis and treatment published by Ministry of Health
The Ministry of Health has published new clinical guidelines for the assessment and treatment of ADHD. Te Whatu Ora has confirmed that adult ADHD services will not be publicly funded and must be accessed privately. The framework supports GPs, who complete appropriate self-directed training, to diagnose and initiate treatment for ADHD. The College of GPs is developing an education package to support this training, expected to launch by Christmas 2025.
Read moreUpcoming changes to Community Referred Radiology access – effective 1 September
Te Whatu Ora is introducing mandatory national criteria for Community Referred Radiology (CRR) from 1 September 2025, replacing the previous regionally adapted framework. These changes aim to standardise access and improve equity nationwide.
Read morePossible diacetyl exposure from recalled vaping product
An alert has been issued to all EDs after 300 cartridges of Suntree Vanilla Cream vape solution were sold nationwide, containing four times the recommended limit of diacetyl — a substance linked to bronchiolitis obliterans. The risk to consumers is expected to be low due to limited exposure. If a patient presents with respiratory symptoms after using this product, please carry out a routine respiratory assessment and provide usual care as needed.
Read moreRecording vaping status
Although vaping is not smoking, it is a health risk and should be recorded in clinical records. Recording vaping is additional to recording smoking status. Patients who have stopped smoking and are currently vaping exclusively can be coded as ex-smoking. Recording a person as ex-vaping has value, especially if the person is using vaping to quit smoking and will then quit vaping. The following SNOMED CT codes and Read codes should be used to record vaping status.
Read moreHelp shape the future of malnutrition care in Aotearoa
Malnutrition is a serious health issue in Aotearoa, yet there is no national policy to guide care. Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland is inviting primary health care professionals to complete a 10-minute survey to help build a clearer picture of current practice. If you work with adults in primary care, your input is valued. Survey closes Monday 4 August.
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