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Federation of Primary Health Welcomes Today's Board Announcements

Thursday 23 September 2021, 6:04PM

By RedPR

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Federation Chair Hon. Steve Chadwick
Federation Chair Hon. Steve Chadwick Credit: Supplied

“Another positive step forward”.

That’s how the Chair of New Zealand’s [1]peak body for [2]Primary Care, The Federation of Primary Health Aotearoa (FPHANZ), has reacted to the board announcements from the Government today.

Steve Chadwick says FPHANZ is looking forward to working with both Health New Zealand and the Māori Health Authority, as long overdue changes are made to our health system.

“The Federation understands, as we move forward with the proposed health reforms, how important it is to successfully integrate the primary health system. Our primary healthcare has always been key to the success of the New Zealand health system,” she says.

Ms Chadwick adds that it is pleasing to hear the Health Minister, Andrew Little, reiterate today the importance of New Zealanders being able to have equitable access to healthcare to live longer, with the best possible quality of life, no matter who they are or where they live.

The Simpson Report released last year, identified four main themes; the first noted as “Ensuring consumers, whānau and communities are at the heart of the system”.

“What is absolutely critical to this step change in health working successfully is that local primary health care providers all have shared goals in delivering core services which are based on the needs and priorities of local communities. That means putting people at the centre of the system and FPHANZ is behind that 100 per cent,” she says.

The Federation says this bodes well as Mr Little made clear today that members of the new boards, share a dedication to improve the country’s health and wellbeing with a strong community focus.

“The announcement today is a positive step forward as we all focus on improving the health system for all New Zealanders,” says Ms Chadwick.

-Ends-

[1] A peak organisation or peak body is an advocacy group made up of groups with allied interests. They are generally established for the purposes of developing standards and processes, and/or to act on behalf of all members when promoting the interests of the members.

[2] Primary health care is anything that supports health and wellbeing to treat people if they are not well, preventing them from being unwell, and keeping them well at home or in their community.

 

Our Mission | Mīhana

To make comprehensive primary health care the foundation of the New Zealand health system. 

 

Who we are

The Federation of Primary Health Aotearoa is New Zealand’s peak body for Primary Care.  We promote health and wellbeing, on behalf of members for the benefit of the population of New Zealand. In 2018, 70 of New Zealand’s primary health care leaders representing PHO’s, pharmacy, midwifery, allied health, nursing and others came together to form the Federation of Primary Health Aotearoa New Zealand.  The organisation was initially chaired by Dame Annette King.  The current chair is Hon Steve Chadwick. 

Post COVID and with the health system review well underway, the reach and membership of the Federation is now being expanded to all areas of primary health including: Aged care, Wellness, Community health, NGO’s, Mental health, Māori, Iwi, Disability, Professional organisations.​

The Federation is an all-encompassing peak body that requires members to set aside their separate sector interests – putting patient-centred care before all else. We aim to lead the discussion in primary care policy throughout New Zealand.  Our membership represents all providers of primary care.

The Federation was established to bring together organisations and stakeholders from across the primary health care sector for the benefit of the health and well-being of all New Zealanders. We believe fostering effective partnerships with communities and promoting integrated multi-agency and multi-professional health services is the way forward. The Federation is committed to providing an interactive forum that enables collaboration and partnership; endorses co-design with communities; facilitates the sharing of information, knowledge, and resources; promotes good practice and equitable health outcomes; and contributes to the development and implementation of health policy.

Governance

Following the adoption of the Constitution on 29 March 2021, some Board members have transitioned, and others have been co-opted.  They will hold their positions until the next Annual General Meeting which is to be held before November 2021.  An election process will take place.​

Current Board Members

Hon. Steve Chadwick (Independent Chair)

Karen Guilliland – College of Midwives

Andrew Gaudin – Pharmacy Guild

Dr Angus Chambers – General Practitioner, Christchurch PHO

Dr Jeff Lowe – General Practitioner and Chair General Practice New Zealand

Dr Sue Adams – College of Nurses Aotearoa

Teresa Wall – Director Wall Consultants

Sheldon Ngatai – Consumer Representative

Phillip Chapman – Consumer Representative