News Releases

Here's the latest news from WellSouth.

Questions or comments? Contact us at communications@wellsouth.org.nz

Or contact Frederique Gulcher, WellSouth Communications and Engagement Manager, 021 854 734.

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A gold for Southern fracture service

Monday 14 July 2025

A local service that is supporting older people to overcome the social, mental and physical effects of fragility fractures resulting from falls, has been awarded an internationally recognised gold standard.
The Southern Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) has achieved a gold award in the International Osteoporosis Foundation’s programme for fragility fracture care,...

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WellSouth Capitation Statement

Wednesday 25 June 2025

The news about a proposed capitation uplift of 9.13% is welcomed by WellSouth and our network of general practices in Otago and Southland. Capitation is the system whereby a general practice is paid by the government via a PHO per enrolled patient.
In past years, the national negotiations for primary...

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Meet our new Population Health Pharmacist

Wednesday 18 June 2025

Welcome to our new Population Health Pharmacist, Lisa Richards, who is joining Sandy So in the WellSouth Pharmacy team.
Pou Tōkeke Population Health Pharmacists work with general practices, community pharmacies and Māori and Pacific health providers, specifically the latter, where they provide medication reviews and advice, hospital discharge support, planning and...

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Giving more voice to future health care planning

Wednesday 23 April 2025

Many more people in Otago and Southland can now rest assured health providers will know what their health care wishes are at times where they are unable to speak for themselves, often at the end of their lives.
In February 2024, WellSouth, the primary health organisation (PHO) for Otago and Southland,...

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Dedicated Primary Care Integration manager appointed for New Dunedin Hospital

Thursday 17 April 2025

Demonstrating its commitment for a-whole-of-system approach for the New Dunedin Hospital, WellSouth has appointed an Integration Manager, Primary and Community Services for New Dunedin Hospital, Nick Taylor.
Mr Taylor, formerly a WellSouth Primary Care Relationship Manager, will work alongside other WellSouth colleagues and colleagues at Health New Zealand to bring voice...

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Pressure cooker in rural general practice

Friday 04 April 2025

A primary care survey report shows that general practices in rural Otago and Southland are feeling the pressure, and are, compared to their urban counterparts, more likely to struggle to retain workforce, fill gaps and therefore provide care for the community they live in.
Here is the Primary Care Survey November...

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WellSouth boosts free flu vaccination eligibility

Monday 31 March 2025

Hundreds of Māori and Pacific Island people in Southland and Otago who are aged 55 – 64 years old are once again covered for the flu vaccine this year, after WellSouth Primary Health Network confirmed funding.
Persons aged 65 and over or people who have long-term medical conditions like diabetes, asthma,...

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CPCT - a success story in Southern

Thursday 27 March 2025


A WellSouth evaluation report reveals that the Comprehensive Primary & Community Care Teams (CPCT) programme is helping more high-risk people in communities access necessary healthcare for free, with more than 500 patients a month accessing free care.
Here is a copy of the report.
CPCT, a national programme funded by Te...

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Interns help PHO with Pasifika immunisation picture

Monday 03 March 2025

Pacific communities in the South stand to benefit after WellSouth Primary Health Network hosted two Pasifika health students to explore barriers to getting childhood immunisations.
The students, Ilaisaane Kaufanga (Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy, Auckland University of Technology) and Sylvia Pritchard (Bachelor of Nursing, Otago Polytechnic), were based at the local...

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WellSouth board seeking General Practitioner Representative Trustee

Friday 28 February 2025

General Practitioner Representative Trustee
Make a difference: help govern WellSouth Primary Health Network to improve health outcomes for people in the Southern region.
Nominations are now open for a general practitioner to fulfil the responsibilities of Trustee on WellSouth’s Board from May 2025 for a four year term.
WellSouth Primary Health Network is...

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