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.
You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin or follow our podcast Well, Well, Well on any good podcast platform.
WellSouth Statement on Budget 2026: a missed opportunity for primary care
Friday 29 May 2026Statement from Andrew Swanson-Dobbs, Chief Executive, WellSouth Primary Health Network
Budget 2026 is a missed opportunity for primary care, and for the communities that depend on it most, in particular our rural people and practices.
The lion's share of new investment once again flows to hospitals and specialist services. For Otago and...
WellSouth Statement on Privacy Commissioner Findings for Manage My Health
Wednesday 27 May 2026Statement from Damon Campbell, COO WellSouth Primary Health Network
Today's Privacy Commissioner findings are important. Not only was the Manage My Health breach preventable, but it found that GP practices were not the source of the breach and could not have prevented it. During the crisis response we advocated strongly for...
PHOs working together for AI-Enabled Health Platform
Tuesday 21 April 2026In what is a first, eight Primary Health Organisations (PHOs) spanning Aotearoa New Zealand have launched a joint procurement process to identify a shared, AI-capable technology platform for primary health operations.
The participating PHOs include WellSouth Primary Health Network, Tū Ora Compass Health, THINK Hauora, Health Hawke's Bay, ProCare Health...
WellSouth continues to boost free flu vaccination eligibility
Tuesday 31 March 2026
Māori, Pacific peoples and former refugees in Otago and Southland aged 50 plus are now eligible for a free flu vaccine this year, after WellSouth Primary Health Network confirmed immunisation funding.
WellSouth has previously boosted free flu vaccination to provide for Māori and Pacific for the last 2 years...
Southern Wellbeing service hits 200,000 encounters
Thursday 12 March 2026Tōku Oranga Access and Choice Southern Service, a free primary care mental health and wellbeing support programme, has reached 200,000 encounters across the Southern regions of Otago and Southland.
Launched in 2020, the award-winning programme provides free 20–30-minute appointments with Health Improvement Practitioners (HIP), Health Coaches or Community Support Workers for...
Free health checks at Karitane Whānau Hauora Day
Monday 09 March 2026Free health checks, health advice, kids activities, free kai and heaps of prizes will be at the Whānau Hauora Day at Puketeraki Marae in Karitane (20 Apes Road) on Saturday, March 14, 10am-2pm.
WellSouth Primary Health Network and Kati Huirapa Runaka ki Puketeraki have once again joined forces to provide free...
Push to boost cervical screening
Monday 02 March 2026While data shows current cervical screening rates for women aged 25-69 years old in Otago and Southland is continuing to improve, there’s more to be done. This week HPV Awareness Day is on March 4, a good time to encourage cervical screening.
WellSouth, the Primary Health Organisation (PHO) for Southland...
Roots in Rural Care: Supporting Pathways to Nursing
Tuesday 24 February 2026A big congratulations to Ella Neustroski and Tania Davies on becoming Registered Nurses! Ella and Tania took the opportunity to study the University of Canterbury Master of Health Sciences (Nursing) while employed as Health Care Assistants in Wānaka.
Kate Norris, Nursing Director for WellSouth PHO, notes that ensuring a sustainable workforce...
Rural Breast Screening Bus Back
Thursday 19 February 2026As thousands of people are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, the return of the screening bus to rural Otago and Southland is a welcome sight.
The mobile breast screening unit is travelling from Oamaru (until 3rd March 2026), to Clyde, Balclutha, Gore, Otautau and then returning to Oamaru across...
WellSouth Hardship Fund evaluation released
Monday 09 February 2026Quality Improvement and Evaluation Hub I WellSouth
Evaluation of the WellSouth Hardship Fund shows it works; the fund is reaching people with the greatest need with general practices able to support patients who might otherwise delay or miss care.
Using a mixed-methods approach, the evaluation analysed quantitative data on fund...