WellSouth Hardship Fund evaluation released
Quality 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 utilisation alongside qualitative insights from interviews with nine general practices, four Māori providers, and two Pacific providers. The findings are intended to inform decisions on the fund's continuation, future design, and implementation.
The outcome shows a successful and valued equity initiative, with highlights:
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Māori received more funding than their population share.
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Over half of the support went to Community Services Card holders, mainly in high-deprivation areas.
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Many working-age adults also benefited.
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The fund is commonly used for GP visits, tests, prescriptions, and podiatry.
"It’s probably one of the most useful things that has been introduced for our service users."
Read the report and summary here.
One of the graphics to show the spread of the fund.
