Joint Statement PSAAP Meeting 19 May 2021

The PSAAP Group met virtually and discussed a range of issues including:

The Maori PHO Caucus recognises and welcomes Hauraki PHO as a Maori PHO. There are now five Maori PHOs across Aotearoa.

PSAAP agreed to a shortened timeframe to consult on the draft Prescription Notice. This will enable DHBs time to consider funding uplifts in light of their 2021/22 funding packages, which will become available after Budget Day. The new payment rates to apply from July need to be loaded in the Ministry’s payment system by 17 June. PSAAP acknowledged these constraints and wishes to move forward collaboratively.

PSAAP discussed the growing concern of workforce shortages in general practice teams, which often results in practices closing their books. This is a significant issue and disproportionately affects rural and provincial New Zealand. PSAAP supported members to work with agencies to attract doctors to work in General Practice, continue to increase the number of GP training places and to look for innovative ways to address recruitment and retention issues.

PSAAP members are committed to working with the Transition Unit as they work through the next level of detail in the health reforms. PSAAP acknowledged the central place of general practice in the Health and Disability System Review, and looks forward to providing a broader sector-wide view for the next stages of work.

PSAAP heard that GMS offsets (known as clawbacks) often disproportionately affect high need practices. PSAAP agreed to explore the impact of GMS offsets, particularly the threshold at which this is applied.

PSAAP supported the Gender Identification Working Group’s activity to develop a gender identity protocol. This will provide guidance on the collection, storage and use of gender, pronouns and sex assigned at birth. PSAAP agreed that for anyone for whom a ‘male’ category is not appropriate then the higher capitation rate will apply from 1 July 2021.

This was the last PSAAP meeting for Dr Kate Baddock. Dr Baddock is a Contracted Provider representative appointed by the GP Leaders’ Forum. Dr Baddock has been a strong advocate for general practice and has been an active PSAAP member for some time. PSAAP wishes her well.