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.
Nurse prescribing programme helping primary care nurses do more for their patients
Monday 27 June 2022More South Island-based primary care nurses will be able to prescribe routine medications to patients thanks to a new training initiative supported by WellSouth.The South Island Registered Nurse Prescribing in Community Health (RNPCH) programme trains nurses to prescribe medications for a number of common health conditions, including ear infections, sore...
Actrol team gets creative to support mental health
Thursday 23 June 2022“Everyone knows someone, or can relate to someone, who has experienced a mental health issue.” David Roff is quick to summarise why he and his Actrol colleagues dedicated their fund-raising efforts in support of mental health and well-being and suicide prevention.A mini-golf competition, raffling-off a set of tools, and guessing...
New partnership aims to ease ED pressure and help patients access care in Invercargill
Wednesday 22 June 2022An innovative pilot programme led by WellSouth Primary Health Network, in partnership with Southern DHB’s Southland Hospital, will help patients get the urgent care they need while reducing pressure on the emergency department. WellSouth and Southern DHB are trialling EmergencyQ, a software solution which connects Southland Hospital, He Puna Waiora...
Low-Cost Food & Transport Map resource extended to support the Central Otago community
Wednesday 22 June 2022WellSouth Primary Health Network has expanded their online Low-Cost Food & Transport Map resource to cover Central Otago.Available on the WellSouth website https://wellsouth.nz/community/health-promotion/low-cost-food-and-transport-map/ , these resources are a series of maps showing affordable (free or lower cost) food and transport options available for communities in the Southern region.The existing...
Emma Wyeth joins WellSouth board of trustees
Tuesday 12 April 2022A respected hauora Māori and health system researcher, educator, and prominent member of southern Ngāi Tahu communities is joining WellSouth Primary Health Network’s Board of Trustees as a mana whenua representative.Associate Professor Emma Wyeth (Kāi Tahu, Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Tama, Ngāti Mutunga) is Manupiki Māori o Te Wāhanga Matua Mātau...
South surpasses one million RAT tests distributed
Saturday 09 April 2022More than one million Rapid Antigen Tests were distributed to the residents in Southern during March.There were 59, 174 orders filled via Southern distribution sites, ordered through the Ministry of Health’s RAT requestor. That amounts to 1,097,800 RAT tests provided to people meeting testing criteria in Otago and Southland in...
General practice survey supports sustainability
Thursday 07 April 2022From Paul Rowe, WellSouth Practice Network Director:Since the end of January, WellSouth has surveyed general practices in Southland and Otago each week. (Now, twice weekly.) This started at the time Covid was first detected on the South Island and it was clear Covid cases in the community would increase rapidly,...
Rapid antigen tests (RATs) available across the district, most collection sites in the country
Saturday 12 March 2022Southerners have more options for accessing rapid antigen tests than anywhere else in the country, with collection sites throughout the district. We have current collection sites listed the WellSouth web siteFrom Stewart Island to Oamaru, there are 50 locations across Southland and Otago where residents can pick up...
Covid Infections: Most people will be able to self-manage at home. Support and care is available for people, particularly those who most need medical care
Thursday 24 February 2022While Covid cases are rising across the country, and faster in Southern than many other places, WellSouth medical director Dr Carol Atmore says that residents and students should be assured the majority of people who get Covid will be able to safely self-manage at home and that health care and...
Oamaru Covid-19 Community Based Testing Centre - opens Saturday February 19
Thursday 17 February 2022Waitaki residents will have greater access to Covid-19 testing with the opening of Community Based Testing Centre on Saturday.No appointments are required for the drive through testing centre at Awamoa Park in Oamaru, which opens this Saturday and wil operate 9am to 4pm, Wednesday through Sunday.The clinic is a...