What resources, if any, are being shifted to primary care and community health services to enable them to act proactively, rather than merely refer risk onward to already overwhelmed hospitals?

Answer

I am advised that Health New Zealnd’s Enhanced Primary and Community Care (EPCC) programme is introducing consistent, regionally aligned and clinically sound service delivery in primary and community care. The goal of EPCC is to reduce hospital referrals and presentations by resourcing general practice and other community providers to deliver timely, community-based care for patients who would otherwise require hospital-level intervention. I am further advised that EPCC initiatives are focused initially on abnormal uterine bleeding and pelvic prolapse; oncology infusion, and skin lesions. I am also advised that the community-referred radiology programme is establishing consistent national clinical access criteria for direct general and nurse practitioner radiology referrals.