ProCare launches new vision and proposed future operating model to shareholders

ProCare Health Limited (PHL) has launched its new strategy ‘Excellence delivered with humanity’ and vision, purpose and values, following consultation with patients, clinicians, and practice staff. The new strategy and vision have been designed to reflect changes in society and technology.
PHL Chairman, Dr Harley Aish says “our network needs a shared vision that will ready us for the future in fast changing primary healthcare sector. Patient expectations are changing and so must delivery of care.
“Population growth, an ageing workforce and increased compliance costs are just a few of the characteristics that are shaping the changing world of healthcare.
“Excellence delivered with humanity has been developed by our network. Our focus is on enabling our patients to live better lives and this new strategic intent will help guide us to do that. We believe every New Zealander has the right to live well, and I’m proud that this is the vision for ProCare. With a focus toward enabling our patients to live better lives, our new strategy will help guide us to do that.”
ProCare has also announced it will be hosting a series of information evenings for its members as the first stage of consultation on a proposed future operating model, which includes a co-operative structure. The four information evenings will take place over the next month across Auckland.
“During our preliminary consultation on the strategy and vision, members raised the need for ProCare to consider facilitating easier entry to practice ownership for younger GPs and exit for retiring GPs, supporting succession planning, and addressing pressures on independent general practice.  
“As such, over the next month, we will test the appetite for a new co-operative model that aligns with our strategy and vision. This proposal is a progression of the changes that ProCare began in 2012,” explains Dr Aish.
“As a true co-operative, we aim to unlock the value within the network and all the opportunities that brings.
“We aim to expand the services practices currently have access to, including workforce services such as practice management, business advice and education, benchmarking, model of care change support, technology and innovation.”
The proposed model would see ProCare Health Ltd become a co-operative owned by the current shareholders. Its primary role will be to provide practice support services.
The PHO (ProCare Networks Ltd) would become a registered charity that remains 100% owned by the co-operative.  This means a more targeted focus on achieving the charitable purpose of the PHO – namely improving and achieving equitable health outcomes for our enrolled population.
Dr Aish says the development of the proposed model will give practice owners and clinicians more control over their own futures, and allow for better continuity of care for patients and help build thriving practices.
The proposed new model would require a shareholder vote and 75% support from voters to proceed. No date has been set for a vote.