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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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...
Find care when things go wrong on holiday
Tuesday 23 December 2025WellSouth Primary Health Network – with more than 70 general practices in Southland and Otago – has advice on where to get help when you need it.
WellSouth Integration Director Stuart Barson offers some timely advice on what to do if you're away from your usual general practice when things...
Southern wellbeing service exceeding expectations
Friday 21 November 2025A recent review of the Southern wellbeing service, Access and Choice, has shown the service is exceeding national targets in almost every area, and patients are reporting high levels of satisfaction.
The independent evaluation by Synergia has found that WellSouth’s Tōku Oranga Access and Choice Southern Service programme has made significant...
2025 Pasifika and Māori Medical Scholarships Awarded
Wednesday 19 November 2025The annual WellSouth Primary Care General Practice Award has been given to top-achieving Pasifika and Māori final year Medical Students in General Practice.
Student Aimee Watene received the WellSouth Matatau Award 2025 for Māori students, while Tegen Benseman received the WellSouth Tautua Award for Pacific students.
The award is given to University...
Progress and investment mark WellSouth’s financial year
Thursday 13 November 2025WellSouth Primary Health Network has released its 2024-2025 Annual Report, detailing a year of system-wide progress and strong investment in general practice and community across Otago and Southland, despite persistent challenges of under-funding.
WellSouth CEO Andrew Swanson-Dobbs says the year demonstrates strong financial and professional support for primary care providers, including...