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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Te Whatu Ora | Health NZ has shared an update on the Community Referred Radiology (CRR) programme, including development of the regional CRR Hub, future Primary Care Radiology Liaison roles, BPAC form updates and the Enhanced Access service. For now, referrers should note the interim process for requesting ultrasound scans that do not have their own tick box in BPAC.
Read moreTe Whatu Ora | Health NZ has enhanced its Online GP Care service, allowing people to more easily compare participating providers, appointment times and pricing, and book a video consultation when their usual GP is unavailable. The service is available seven days a week, with free online GP appointments for children under 14 and reduced costs for young people aged 14–17.
Read moreTe Whatu Ora | Health NZ is asking services to preserve limited Bicillin L-A supplies for children aged 13 and under receiving rheumatic fever prophylaxis. Practices should transition eligible people over 13 to Benzetacil as soon as possible, order Benzetacil if needed, and contact their supplier to return excess Bicillin stock for redistribution.
Read moreThe 2026 Voluntary Bonding Scheme is open for registrations of interest until Wednesday 23 September (5:00pm).
Read moreFunded flu vaccination is now available to all children aged 6 months to under 5 years, following high rates of influenza-related illness and hospitalisation among young children.
Read moreTe Whatu Ora | Health NZ has contacted around 300,000 people, including people in Te Manawa Taki, encouraging them to get their flu vaccination amid high levels of influenza-related illness and winter pressure on health services. Practices may see increased patient enquiries and vaccination bookings as a result.
Read moreTe Whatu Ora has introduced BPAC referrals for referring pēpi and tamariki between 6 weeks to 6 years to the Outreach Immunisation Service (OIS). Practices can now refer directly to Outreach Immunisation Services using the familiar BPAC referral function within their Practice Management System (PMS).
Read moreA measles case has been confirmed in Palmerston North with no identified source, meaning undetected cases in the community are possible. Clinicians should be alert for measles symptoms, particularly in people who spent time in Palmerston North from 4–18 July or Wellington on 11–12 July, and check current locations of interest. Suspected cases should be isolated, tested by PCR and notified to the local Medical Officer of Health without waiting for test results.
Read morePHARMAC is changing the Special Authority criteria for empagliflozin and GLP-1 agonists, removing cardiovascular or renal risk as a requirement and widening access based primarily on HbA1c control and treatment pathways. Practices are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new criteria, ensure required treatment trials are documented, and note that existing funded patients will retain access.
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