The Rural Services Review
WellSouth's report about rural primary care identifies inequities in service provision, major pressures on funding and workforce, unsustainably high levels of clinical risk, and barriers for patients to access care when and where they need it.
The Rural Service Review recommends that funders, planners, advisers, and community advocates, both nationally and locally, continue to push for change in healthcare provision for our rural communities.
The Rural Service Review has been led by independent chair and former Gore district mayor Tracy Hicks.
It was facilitated by Leonie Williamson, Project Manager – Rural Services Review, WellSouth Primary Health Network on behalf of a Rural Services Review Group that was commissioned in July 2022 by WellSouth.
Primary Care Survey Report
WellSouth's Primary Care Survey report shows that general practices in rural Otago and Southland are feeling the pressure, and are, compared to their urban counterparts, more likely to struggle to retain workforce, fill gaps and therefore provide care for the community they live in.
The Primary Care Survey was established to understand the challenges facing primary care providers in the Southern region directly from them. WellSouth has been surveying general practices and pharmacy since COVID-19 monthly check-ins. The new six monthly, more comprehensive survey launched in April 2024 covers pressures on workforce, capacity, and funding.
Primary Care Survey November 24 Full Analysis Report
Primary Care Survey Summary Nov 2024