Pinnacle Health

15/01/2026

We know that many of our practices have been working hard even during the break, and have hit the ground running. We just want to thank everyone of you for your dedication in caring for our communities, and wish you a great new year!

This is a year full of opportunities for growth, as well as of challenges, but we are confident that with our strong network of general practices, we'll stay true to our vision: Kia hauora te katoa, kia puāwai te katoa (Everyone healthy, everyone thriving).

Here's a short message from our CEO Justin Butcher, deputy CEO Katie Latimer, and clinical director Dr Jo Scott-Jones on behalf of Pinnacle.

Ngā mihi o te tau hou!

14/01/2026

"I tell him the thing I have valued most about our consultations is that they have never felt transactional. I have always felt like we are two people invested in the same good outcome. He looks a little teary-eyed."

A long-term GP-patient relationship is like no other. In this heartfelt reflection, Venetia Sherson shares her experience as a patient of “Dr C” – better known to many of us as Pinnacle’s former Board Chair and long-serving GP, Dr Frank Cullen, who retired in November. Pinnacle feels honoured to have had Dr Frank as part of our whānau, and to have witnessed the impact he has made in primary care.

More about Dr Frank: https://www.pinnacle.co.nz/news/dr-frank-cullen-a-lifetime-of-listening

Next to my husband of nearly 50 years, my GP knows my body better than anyone. He has been my doctor for more than four decades. How will I manage without him?

13/01/2026

Mental health matters as much as physical health. To continue advocating for this, Pinnacle has joined a collective of providers in Taranaki to form Te Manawanui – an integrated primary mental health and addiction service across Taranaki formed through a collaboration among Pinnacle, Ngāruahine, Ngāti Ruanui and Tui Ora.

In this initiative, kaitautoko/health coaches and health improvement practitioners (HIPs) provide holistic “whole-of-health” approach addressing stress, anxiety, whānau issues, sleep problems, weight management, addictive behaviours, lifestyle changes, and other mild to moderate concerns.

In the previous quarter, consultations and registrations in HIPs have increased with consistently stable satisfaction rating.

Ka rawe te mahi!

In photo: Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey MP, Pinnacle CEO Justin Butcher and Pinnacle Taranaki district manager Tama Tamatea, with representatives from Te Whatu Ora Health NZ, in Taranaki recently.

01/01/2026

What a year it has been! This 2026, we reaffirm our dedication to supporting resilient, sustainable general practice and delivering care that truly meets the needs of every whānau. With health outcomes for all at the heart of our mahi, we look forward to shaping a future where every New Zealander has the opportunity to thrive. Mauri ora!

24/12/2025

From our Pinnacle whānau to yours, we wish you all joyful and restful holidays ahead. The Pinnacle offices will all close to a skeleton staff from 5pm, Wednesday 24 December and re-open Monday 12 January 2026. Let us all make the most of this time to ignite whakawhanaungatanga and spread kindness and aroha. Meri Kirihimete! 🎄

22/12/2025

The New Zealand General Practice podcast has grown so much in 2025! We're so grateful to our listeners, here in Aotearoa and overseas, for supporting this podcast and for sharing it to colleagues to strengthen our network of general practices.

Pinnacle clinical director, Dr Joseph Scott-Jones, together with Dr Dave Maplesden, host this podcast so passionately to bring new knowledge, share best practices, and engage GPs in honest conversations around the realities of general practice.

We're happy to share with you some cool insights from this podcast's Spotify Wrapped including being a 2025 "most shared show" and "talked about show".

If you haven't tuned in yet, please follow us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Looking forward to seeing you next year for more well-researched, informative, and best practice episodes!

🔗 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5vYmziWcCyZ8dxvYNgMjjl?si=ace23eeeef3442bf

🔗 Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-new-zealand-general-practice-podcast/id1457506728

🔗 WordPress: https://opotikigp.com/

🔗 Videos: https://myhealthhub.co.nz/the-new-zealand-general-practice-podcast/

21/12/2025

Did you know around 80 per cent of UV radiation can still get through on a cloudy day? It's important to practice "Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap" to protect your skin and eyes especially this summer.

The Cancer Society of New Zealand's Sun Protection Alert tells you the time each day when you need protection the most. Check out their SunSmart website and click on your city or town on the map to see your Sun Protection Alert time for today: www.sunsmart.org.nz/resources/sun-protection-alert

18/12/2025

With Kirihimete (Christmas) in the air and New Year's Eve fast approaching, festive gatherings often bring plenty of drinks. It’s important to avoid over-drinking to stay safe and healthy.

Check out the Healthify - He Puna Waiora app library for tools to track your drinking, set limits and support your wellbeing: https://healthify.nz/apps/a/alcohol-use-apps

17/12/2025

𝗣ā𝗻𝘂𝗶/𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲: 𝗡𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
Pinnacle’s nurse leads have been developing a programme of work for 2026 focused on strengthening clinical capability, leadership, and connection for nurses working in general practice.

Here’s what’s on the horizon for Pinnacle nurses in 2026. We’ll share more information in the new year.

𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀
- Online wound care education
- Regional cardiovascular disease education, delivered with the Heart Foundation
- Asthma and COPD education (Taranaki)
- IV cannulation resources for general practice

𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽, 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
- Preceptorship update, facilitated by Wintec
- Nurse leads / senior nurse online peer group
- Online nursing update series

𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲
- RNPCH programme
- New graduate nurse support programme

Meri Kirihimete me ngā mihi o te Tau Hou
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

– Catherine Tobin, Ngaire Signal, Jess Knight, and Jane Wilkie
Nurse leads, Pinnacle Midlands Health Network

16/12/2025

Heading out of town and need some medical advice? Remember that emergency department (ED) is for life threatening emergencies only. It is important that you know the medical centre nearest you.

Check Healthpoint for details on an urgent care centre nearest you. Visit www.healthpoint.co.nz or call Healthline for general health advice and information 0800 611 116 (available 24/7).

15/12/2025

Are you on rongoā (medication)? Don't forget to make sure you have your repeat prescription and enough supply during the holidays. Keep taking it as prescribed this summer. Any changes to your regular medication should be discussed and agreed with your GP or you may become unwell.

Should you need to speak with your practice, you can find their contact details on our website – be aware hours may vary over the holiday period. www.pinnacle.co.nz

13/12/2025

Ready for the holidays? Ahead of the end-of-year festivities, we'd like to share this checklist with our community to consider necessary health needs.

This includes making sure you have your repeat prescriptions and supply of medication (if you're taking any), knowing your general practice's operating hours (and where you can get alternative medical support if needed), and being up to date with your health tests. You can find out the opening hours of your practice by visiting www.pinnacle.co.nz.

Share this list with your whānau so everyone is prepared.