Primary care in the South enters a period of change — WellSouth stays local
From 1 July 2026, some general practices across Otago and Southland will move to a different Primary Health Organisation, as part of a wider shift in how primary care is organised nationally. For patients, very little changes. Their practice, their doctor and their care stay where they are.
A few practices will move to a new PHO from 1 July. WellSouth continues as the PHO for the large majority of practices and patients across the district, and remains the only PHO based in the South. We are Southern; we know Southern.
"Primary care across the country is changing, and the South is no exception," says WellSouth Chief Executive Andrew Swanson-Dobbs. "What hasn't changed is what people can expect when they visit their practice. The clinical services their care depends on continue, and many of those are funded right across the district, whatever PHO a practice belongs to."
"We've valued our work with every practice that is moving on, and we've focused on an orderly, respectful handover. Our commitment to the people of Otago and Southland is the same as it has always been. We are local, we are staying, and we are here for the long term."
A number of clinical services — including the mental health programmes, long-term conditions support, and pharmacy, dietitian and screening services — are funded to WellSouth for the entire Southern region. WellSouth continues to deliver these to all practices and patients across Otago, Southland and the wider Te Waipounamu region.
Updated capitation rates agreed through the national PSAAP process also take effect from 1 July 2026.
Patients with any questions about their care should speak with their usual general practice team.
ENDS.
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