WellSouth 2019 Annual Plan

Wednesday 13 November 2019

Innovation in health services - WellSouth releases 2019 Annual Report

WellSouth’s Annual Report 2019 highlights a host of innovative programmes and services supporting general practice in the Southern district. Highlights include the well-received, long-term conditions programme, CLIC, and continued implementation of the flagship general practice model, Health Care Home.

The Annual Report released today at the primary health network’s AGM in Dunedin, showcases a range of services that help primary care providers meet the needs of patients in the community setting.

WellSouth continues to have strong connections with Māori and Pacific communities through its network of providers and played a critical role in supporting the successful roll-out of the Southern Bowel Cancer Screening programme.
New IT systems and products improved business intelligence and security, helping practices to better understand their enrolled populations, promote patient portal uptake and safeguard data and information.
Mental health services, community dietitians, clinical pharmacists, long-term conditions outreach, vaccination programmes, as well as the falls and fractures prevention and health promotions teams, all had a busy year, reporting increased referrals and more community engagement

“WellSouth listens to what the primary care community has to say and our teams are creative and effective in providing the support and services that they need,” says WellSouth CEO Andrew Swanson Dobbs. “I joined the organisation in March and I continue to be impressed by the depth and breadth of work that is done here and how responsive WellSouth is to general practice. And we have big plans to build on these successes going forward.”

WellSouth board chairman, Dr Doug Hill, says the primary health network, comprised of 81 practices in Otago and Southland, has had a strong performance in the year from 01 July 2018 to 30 June 2019. Of particular note, is the organisation’s contribution to implementing Southern’s Primary and Community Care Strategy.

“At its core, this strategy is about helping patients to access the care they need, where and when it’s best to provide that care,” Dr Hill says. “I think our annual report shows that WellSouth, with Health Care Home and other programmes, is taking a leading role in delivering the strategy.”

Dr Hill thanked Ian Macara, who retired as CEO December, for playing a critical role in leading WellSouth to its current strong position.

Looking forward, Mr Swanson-Dobbs said that mental health, Health Care Home and equity for Māori would be priority areas for the coming year: “We have a strong team, a dynamic network of practices and I know we can continue to make impactful changes to health services in the Southern district.”

WellSouth Strategy

The annual plan also introduces WellSouth’s new strategic vision, centred around four key areas: healthy communities, whānau-centred care, evidence-based decision-making and an engaged and empowered workforce.