ProCare signs on as south Auckland locality partner

I think this model is a no-brainer and we are going to improve equity and people’s health and wellbeing

ProCare Group has formally partnered with the growing Ōtara-Papatoetoe prototype locality, Le Afio’aga o Aotearoa.

“We are really delighted to be working with them,” says ProCare chief executive Bindi Norwell, “it’s a good opportunity to do things differently. ProCare is committed to supporting innovation within the new system and listening to the voice of the community and whānau.”

The partnership was confirmed yesterday, with the PHO having signed the locality charter and a partnership agreement with the locality system convenor, South Seas Healthcare.

Mrs Norwell says the practical applications of the agreement are yet to be worked out, but she expects to provide locality partners with population health data and analysis.

“We are still testing the new model and how it will work, but ProCare has a lot of infrastructure that can sit behind the network,” she says.

“[The details are] getting sorted out still, but the PHO and primary care organisations already have access to a lot of infrastructure like data and digital, and workforce management, and if that capacity can be leveraged to help the wider locality, then it has to be a really good opportunity.

“We have a long way to go on the details, but I think this model is a no-brainer and we are going to improve equity and people’s health and wellbeing.”

The agreement does not make all ProCare practices part of the locality and the process determining how funding will flow from Te Whatu Ora to the locality partners is yet to be determined.

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South Seas chef executive Silao Vaisola-Sefo could not be contacted, but in a media statement said: “ProCare brings a wealth of experience with delivering primary health care services, a strong understanding of funding and workforce management, along with hugely beneficial population health data.

“Having this expertise alongside our knowledge and relationships with our community is key to delivering successful health and wellbeing outcomes for our people.”

The locality now has more than 40 formal partners, and the agreement brings ProCare alongside two other PHOs, The Cause Collective and National Hauora Coalition.

Mr Vaisola-Sefo has told New Zealand Doctor Rata Aotearoa he hopes to talk to Tamaki Health, the Total Healthcare practice network holding about 50 per cent of Ōtara’s enrolled population, in the next few weeks.

Pacific health providers from outside Auckland are also considering signing on as partners in the Ōtara-Papatoetoe prototype locality.

To’omata Apineru Fiso, chief executive of Porirua-based Pacific Health Plus, says they are now consulting with their community about the move and will make a final decision by September.

Chief executive of Dunedin-based Pacific Trust Otago, Nimo Elisara-Too, says they have received a proposal, but it is yet to be discussed formally by the board.

New Zealand Doctor understands one more Pacific provider outside Auckland is also considering partnering with the locality.