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.

 

WellSouth to improve breast screening as the breast screen bus hits the South

Tuesday 14 January 2025

As the breast screening bus starts its Southern tour today starting in Oamaru, WellSouth, the Primary Health Organisation for Otago and Southland, is tasked with getting more wāhine to the bus and improve breast check rates for women in Southern. Since October 2024, and for the first time, WellSouth...

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General practice staff burning out

Monday 13 January 2025

Doctors, nurses and other general practice staff are still suffering burn out, WellSouth can reveal, following a second general practice survey. This, as many general practice medical centres in popular tourism destinations across Otago and Southland gear up for a busy summer.
WellSouth Primary Health Network, the primary health organisation...

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Find the right care when things go wrong

Wednesday 08 January 2025

Still on holiday?
WellSouth Primary Health Network – with more than 70 general practices in Southland and Otago – has advice on where to get help when you need it.
Dr Carol Atmore, Clinical Director at WellSouth, says every year, medical centres in tourism hot spots work very hard to...

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Pasifika and Māori medical scholarships awarded

Monday 25 November 2024

The annual WellSouth Primary Care General Practice Award has been given to top-achieving Pasifika and Māori final year Medical Students in General Practice last week.
The recipients are Māori student Logan Murray and Pasifika student Christine Peters. Each received a $2,000 dollar scholarship at the Te Kura Whaiora A Ōtepoti University...

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Primary care surveys show lack of funding and workforce as key pressures

Monday 18 November 2024

Primary care surveys show lack of funding and workforce as key pressures
Surveying primary care providers in Otago and Southland shows general practices and their staff have continued concerns about capacity, workforce and remaining financially sustainable, but that overall, staff morale is positive.
WellSouth Primary Health Network, the primary health organisation (PHO)...

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WellSouth Annual Report released

Wednesday 13 November 2024

WellSouth Primary Health Network, the primary health organisation for Otago and Southland, has released its annual report, celebrating the stories and people that have worked hard to deliver and support delivery of primary care in Southern.
At the WellSouth Annual General Meeting held yesterday on Tuesday 12 November, WellSouth...

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Putting control back in the hands of diabetics

Monday 11 November 2024

Helping more people in Otago and Southland take control of their type 2 diabetes has been the driving force for WellSouth’s self-management diabetes programme, which has been evolving since its launch.
This month for Diabetes Action Month, WellSouth Primary Health Network is raising awareness about this common condition. There are 324,000...

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WellSouth invests in Dunedin urgent doctor service

Monday 04 November 2024

A new partnership between WellSouth Primary Health Network and Dunedin After Hours Doctors Limited (DAHDL) will ensure ongoing after hours care for the Dunedin and wider community at Dunedin Urgent Doctors and Accident Centre.
The primary health organisation (PHO) for Otago and Southland has bought a 50% stake in DAHDL,...

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Health providers join forces for free clinics

Thursday 10 October 2024

WellSouth Primary Health Network, Health New Zealand I Te Whatu Ora (HNZ) and Araiteuru Marae in Wakari have joined forces to offer free health checks at the marae.
The marae hosts free community kai including lunches and dinners on most Mondays, called Pātaka Ora. These free meals are open to...

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New tech for community health

Monday 23 September 2024


WellSouth Primary Health Network has been working with Pacific community healthcare providers in Otago and Southland to help improve their services.
The primary health organisation for the southern region has customised a computerised practice management system (PMS) – Medtech Evolution – to supported providers’ patient administration.
This system has been installed...

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