Dedicated Primary Care Integration manager appointed for New Dunedin Hospital

Demonstrating its commitment for a-whole-of-system approach for the New Dunedin Hospital, WellSouth has appointed an Integration Manager, Primary and Community Services for New Dunedin Hospital, Nick Taylor.

Mr Taylor, formerly a WellSouth Primary Care Relationship Manager, will work alongside other WellSouth colleagues and colleagues at Health New Zealand to bring voice to primary care as the hospital develops.

The role, funded entirely by WellSouth, the primary health organisation for Otago and Southland, will focus on bridging gaps between primary and secondary care, and advocating for primary care as key to the system. More closely, it will identify gaps and opportunities for a more seamless journey for patients as they move through the health system in Otago from general practice to the new hospital and back again into the community.

WellSouth CEO Andrew Swanson Dobbs has been vocal about an integrated approach for the New Dunedin Hospital.

“From the start of this project, the success of the hospital was predicated on less hospital use and more care in primary care,” he says.

“We must not lose sight of this. Primary care will reduce hospital demand through early intervention, chronic disease management, and proactive care. Equally, for those who are discharged from hospital, general practice, primary care nursing, and community-based services are critical to recovery.”

“None of this change will occur without additional support and funding to allow primary care to build capacity and capability,” he says.

“This role ensures we keep sight of this approach, keep the vision wider than secondary care. This is not just a new building, it is an opportunity to get a-whole-of-system, integrated approach right for the future of Otago,” he says.

“Nick’s role will bring expertise, advocacy and knowledge among key stakeholders in the New Dunedin Hospital as to the current state of primary and community services. His background in working predominantly with general practices puts him in an advantageous position to truly understand primary care pressures and pathways.”

Mr Taylor will work across four key workstreams, including long-term conditions, frailty, acute demand management, and virtual health, and support the development of a sustainable, integrated model of care for our community in the future.

Mr Taylor met with colleagues and Health New Zealand Southern last week.

He says, “The New Dunedin Hospital project is a major change for Dunedin and Otago as a whole, and while the building is designed to be fit for purpose, it’s the whole healthcare system here that needs to be fit for our people.”

“We need to get the best value out of this once-in-decades investment and ensure sustainable, appropriate care for people, avoiding the overload and pressures that we see now.”

“I’m looking forward to being part of this sea change for Dunedin and advocating for the role of primary care, and reporting back to our primary care stakeholders.”

Mr Taylor, who recently completed a post grad qualification in strategic leadership, is Dunedin born and bred and has worked in the health sector for 15 years.