Interim decision-making framework on applications from PHOs to expand into new regions. From Martin Hefford, Director Living Well, Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora:
Following engagement with Primary Health Organisations (PHOs), primary care services and other stakeholders, Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ) is introducing an interim decision-making framework to guide its decisions on applications from PHO’s wanting to expand into new regions.
Over the last few years there has been an increase in applications for PHOs to move into new geographical areas, and to potentially become national or regional organisations.
The impact of movement of practices between PHOs is significant and dependent on the size and scale of the changes can cause significant disruption for patients and service providers.
The intention of the framework is to maintain stability for the primary care sector while the future role of PHOs is considered, but also allowing for movement where it makes sense and benefits the people it serves and cares for.
The framework outlines four principles with factors for consideration and criteria requirements to help ensure only applications outlining a strong case for change that benefits the populations it serves and primary care services it supports are approved.
Those principles cover the applicant’s potential impact on equity, local decision-making (and relationships), quality of care delivered, and stability of services.
Health NZ is also temporarily pausing applications for new PHOs while it considers the long-term future for PHOs.
