Pathlab: Skin prick allergy testing request process
From 1 June Pathlab will only accept referrals via an online form. Pinnacle is approaching Pathlab to ask if they would consider developing a BPAC referral form.
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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.
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.
Read moreEOI for clinical staff to join the newly established New Zealand Clinical Senate (NZCS)
Te Whatu Ora is seeking expressions of interest from health professionals across primary, community, mental health, public health and other healthcare providers from each of the four regions (Northern, Central, Te Manawa Taki and Te Waipounamu). Regional expressions of interest are open and will close on Friday 23 May 2025. For full details see the Te Whatu Ora job website.
Read moreWinter energy hardship: Getting energy saving tips into the hands of those who need them most
Consumer NZ, in partnership with EECA and the Electricity Authority, is supporting those at risk of energy hardship by distributing DL-sized brochures across Aotearoa. aims to reach communities nationwide through DL stands in high-traffic areas, and is looking for trusted community partners to help distribute them. There is no cost to practices willing to display these brochures.
Read morePSAAP – 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.
Read moreEnrolments open: Nga Manukura clinical leadership programme
Ngā Manukura is a clinical leadership programme for Māori nurses and midwives. To date, thirty-six cohorts are either in progress or have completed the programme. Enrolments are now open for the next intake, with 25 places available for those who meet the criteria.
Read moreMedTech 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.
Read morePlanned 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.
Read moreDiabetes 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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