Press Release: From Compass Health

Release date: 23 January 2018

A new quality initiative from Compass Health is helping patients in the Wellington region benefit from annual wellness checks to address the physical health issues associated with some long term Mental Health conditions.

The new real-time report, a first for New Zealand, helps GP teams more easily identify and prompt follow-up for some patients prescribed anti-psychotic medications.

“We know that people experiencing mental health and/or addiction issues are at unacceptably greater risk for a range of chronic health conditions, have worse physical health outcomes, and are at risk of dying earlier than their general population peers, “ says Dr Lynn McBain Compass Health Medical Director and local GP.  “The influence of anti-psychotics on weight gain and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major contributor to the inequitable rate of premature deaths,” she says.

This report means that, GP teams in the Wellington region can more easily identify and follow up those patients prescribed anti-psychotic medicines who are at greater risk of many underlying conditions. “It will help our front line health services identify underlying issues earlier to enable proactive intervention and reduce the impact of Long Term Conditions,” says Dr McBain.

Wellness check parameters may include:

• BMI
• HbA1c
• Lipids
• Blood Pressure
• Smoking Status and whether Brief Advice has been given
• Cardio Vascular Risk Assessment

“As part of our commitment to the Equally Well collaborative, and our population, Compass Health wants to support GPs teams to provide this more holistic health service by having more regular primary care contact with people currently prescribed anti-psychotic medicine,” says Dr McBain. “Ultimately, it’s about better Health outcomes, and it shows how data can be an incredibly powerful tool for Primary Care management and quality. We’re committed to further progress towards equitable Health outcomes in collaboration with Equally Well,” she says.

“It is really good to see Primary Health organisations, like Compass Health, leading the way on Equally Well initiatives,” says Helen Lockett, Equally Well strategic lead. “The Primary Health Care sector has a key role to play in helping to improve the physical health of people who experience mental health conditions and addiction. Getting timely and relevant information to patients and GPs plays a crucial role,” she says.

Further reading

Equally Well: Physical Health 

• https://www.tepou.co.nz/initiatives/equally-well-physical-health/37
  
• https://www.tepou.co.nz/news/the-physical-health-of-people-with-mental-health-conditions-andor-addiction-evidence-update-december-2017/1101

RNZCGP Policy Brief May 2017 issue 9. Accessed via 

• https://oldgp16.rnzcgp.org.nz/assets/New-website/Publications/Policy/Equally-WellPB9May2017.pdf

Waitemata DHB. Safer use of high risk medicines.  May 2014. Atypical Antipsychotics Safer Prescribing Better but not perfect 

• http://www.saferx.co.nz/full/atypical_antipsychotics.pdf

Further contact information:

Dr Lynn McBain
Compass Health Medical Director
Lynn.McBain@compasshealth.org.nz

Lynley Byrne
Clinical Leader/Nurse Practitioner
Mental Health
Compass Health PHO
027 2272661

Susan Fullerton-Smith
Communications Advisor
Susan.fullerton-smith@compasshealth.org.nz
022 638 0578
www.compasshealth.org.nz
@Compasshealthnz

 

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Press Release: From Compass Health

Release date: 11 December 2017

The Ministry of Heath declared a national outbreak of whooping cough last week, as a total of 1,500 cases have now been reported since the beginning of 2017. It’s important to be up to date with immunisations, especially with travel to other regions around the Christmas holiday period.

“The best way to protect babies is for pregnant women to get their free immunisation against whooping cough between 28 and 38 weeks of pregnancy, and take their baby for their free immunisations when they’re six weeks, three months and five months old, "says Wellington Regional Public Health Medical Officer Dr Annette Nesdale.

Any siblings should also be up-to-date with their immunisations – older children receive free boosters at four and eleven years of age. If people are unsure whether they or their children have been immunised, they can talk to their health practitioner, doctor or nurse.

“Babies under one year old are most vulnerable to the disease and often catch it from older siblings, their parents or family members and friends.”

“On time immunisation is vitally important and if immunisation is delayed, babies are vulnerable for longer, says Dr Larry Jordan Whitby Doctors GP and Compass Health Chair.”

Whooping cough can be very serious for babies and children – especially those under 1 year old. If babies catch whooping cough, they:
• may not be able to feed or breathe properly
• may become so ill they need to go to hospital
• could end up with serious complications such as pneumonia and brain damage.

If you think you or a family member may have whooping cough, see your doctor as soon as possible.
• Your doctor can test to see whether it is whooping cough
• If it is whooping cough, you may be given antibiotics. It is important that you complete the course of antibiotics
• Your doctor will also tell you how to care for yourself or your child at home while you’re recovering
• If whooping cough is diagnosed in the later stages, it is unlikely that you will be prescribed antibiotics as you will no longer be infectious and they will not improve your symptoms.

“Anyone with coughs should be especially careful if they are likely to come in to contact with babies. Most adults don’t realise they have whooping cough, but it is incredibly contagious, says Dr Jordan.”

Regional Public Health Immunisation video

http://www.immune.org.nz/diseases/pertussis

contacts
Susan Fullerton-Smith
Communications Advisor
Compass Health
0226380-578
Susan.fullerton-smith@compasshealth.org.nz

Louise Lewis
Clinical Nurse Specialist - Immunisation
Mobile: (0)27 297 2199
Email: louise.lewis@compasshealth.org.nz

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Press Release: From Compass Health & CCDHB

Release date: 5 October 2017

Hundreds of thousands of people are on track to receive enhanced services and improved access options at GP practices and medical centres across greater Wellington.

A year on from being implemented, the Health Care Home initiative continues to go from strength to strength – with 15 existing Health Care Home practices, and another seven practices signed up for a January and April 2018 start.

From early next year, half the region’s population will have access to the enhanced range of health services that Health Care Home practices offer in the community.

“This initiative puts the needs of patients and families at the heart of local health care delivery,” said Capital & Coast DHB chief executive Debbie Chin.

“It is an investment by the DHB and local PHOs in ensuring a patient-centred approach to enable people to stay well in the community, and get services locally.”

Health Care Homes aim to ensure patients can request prescriptions, make appointments, and message the doctor online. Patients can expect improved response to phone calls and – for urgent appointment requests – a conversation with a GP or nurse that may save a trip to the practice.

These practices also offer extended hours, and allow patients to access their clinical information online through patient portals.

In addition, Health Care Home’s Community Services Integration initiative aims to ensure that general practice teams’ in-depth knowledge of patients’ wellbeing and up to date primary clinical intervention is shared with community services. This ensures the delivery of a coordinated and integrated mobile community service.

“This model aims to build on what is already good about general practice, and to make it even more convenient and effective for patients through better use of technology and by working closely with community health services,” said Compass Health CEO Martin Hefford.

“I’m proud of what we’ve achieved in just over a year, and look forward to increasing momentum and success to better meet the growing demand for health care in our region.”

Image: The Johnsonville Medical Centre was one of the first practices to sign up to the Health Care Home model and offer patients enhanced services and improved technology options.

More information, and a snapshot of the Health Care Home initiative to date, is available in the project’s First Year: Achievements and Reflections document.

For our latest news, visit www.ccdhb.org.nz or www.facebook.com/CCDHB

Media contacts
CCDHB: Chas Te Runa – 027 230 9571
Compass: Susan Fullerton-Smith – 022 638 0578

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Press Release: From Compass Health

Release date: 2 October 2017

What I’ve been thinking about …. Using data to drive quality improvement.

Kia Ora

In my role as Medical Director I spend time looking a various data reports and quality metrics. It is interesting to see this from the PHO point of view as well as from a practice /practitioner point of view.

For those who have not caught up with this – I work with Compass Health as Medical Director. This is a role complementary to my other primary care related roles as a GP and as a Senior Lecturer at University of Otago Wellington.

I am impressed by the amount and quality of data that the team at Compass Health are able to produce. Great care is taken with the data that it is presented in a clear way with explanation of how and where it was obtained.

Practices have consented to data from their PMS being used as part of the Quality program.
At times Compass Health is asked for other data - for example for research projects and this is produced only with the express consent of the practice involved. This level of care has led to a high level of trust within the network.

Another area in which there is a high level of trust is in the use of comparative data. For a selected number of key quality indicators, practices can see how they compare to other practices. This approach has been well received by practices as they can see where they fit in the PHO and with similar practices. This can help drive quality improvement as practices strive to match others.

In many places around New Zealand the amount and quality of data supplied is much less. The Compass approach has evolved over time, which may not be so obvious to practices and practitioners. In this role, I’ve can see in a practical way, how the volume and quality of data produced by the Compass Health team is focussing quality improvement for both greater Wellington region practices and individual patients, which far exceeds other areas within NZ.

What does this look like?
We can easily go beyond understanding whether Hba1c has been measured or not. The quality of data available means a Compass Health practice team can access a deeper level of analysis. This might mean looking at patients at a practice level; selecting those coded with diabetes to see who have higher HBA1c levels and have not received prescriptions for insulin This enables individual practitioners to review specific patients and work with them to help obtain best clinical outcomes.

The missing patient lists that can at times be a bugbear for practices are also a very useful tool to help practices direct quality improvement.

The practice of medicine has become more complex and the tools we have to help remind a practitioner about who may benefit from clinical intervention are an excellent way to help ensure no patient gets left behind. We can then use our clinical time effectively to work with those in higher need of any interventions, while continuing to support in a less intensive way those who are going well.

Moving ahead, collecting and using the data obtained will continue to assist practices to best care for their enrolled population, combining the date driven science of medicine with the art of applying the information to individual patients at a personal level.

I’m always keen to hear feedback from our Network partners, so please get in touch for any questions about the use for data for quality improvement. What sorts of data would be useful for your practice ?

Ngā mihi

Lynn McBain

lynn.mcbain@compasshealth.org.nz

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Media Release: Health Care Home Development Team

Release date: September 2017

Health Care Home Year 1 Reflections

This publication is an overview of our first year implementing the Health Care Home Model of Care in the Wellington region.

It offers some insights, stories and early data from our first seven Health Care Homes— Raumati Road Surgery, Newlands Medical Centre, Johnsonville Medical Centre, Karori Medical Centre, Hora te Pai Health Services, Ora Toa Health Services and Newtown Union Health Services— early adopters and pioneers of the model locally. Collectively, they cover a population of just over 60,000 enrolled patients.

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Press Release: From Capital & Coast DHB, Compass Health PHO and the Central Pacific Collective

Release date: 7 September 2017

Local health providers have banded together to boost the health and wellbeing of thousands of Pacific people across greater Wellington.

Capital & Coast DHB, Compass Health PHO and the Central Pacific Collective have created the Tauhi Alliance – a collaboration to improve the care of Pacific patients across hospital and community health services.

“Pacific people are less likely to use health services, and more likely to experience ill health. We are committed to turning that around,” said Capital & Coast DHB chief executive Debbie Chin.

“Providing better healthcare and outcomes for the region’s 18,000 Pacific patients can’t be done in isolation – it requires a combined effort to ensure care is consistent and joined up across providers.”

The key to the alliance’s success will be the combination of members’ collective expertise, local knowledge, data and community links.

“We all have a role to play in improving the health of our Pacific communities, and enabling families to be healthy and independent,” said Central Pacific Collective chair Fa’amatuainu Tino Pereira.

“This Alliance will enable us to have a broader and more complete picture of people’s health needs and treatments – preventing people from falling through the cracks between providers and ensuring patients can be followed up, properly cared for, and educated about their health needs.”

Efforts will initially be focussed on the health of Pacific children and young people, and women’s health – in particular, increasing cervical and breast screening rates.

“This is an exciting development in our efforts to lift the health status of Pacific peoples,” said Compass Health chair and Whitby GP Dr Larry Jordan.

“Together, we can better identify where to focus our efforts and draw on one another’s’ strengths to deliver high quality and consistent care – ultimately empowering our Pacific peoples and families’ to be as healthy as they can, and live longer and more independent lives.”

For our latest news, visit www.ccdhb.org.nz or www.facebook.com/CCDHB

Media contact: Chas Te Runa – 027 230 9571

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Press Release: From Compass Health

Release date: 4th September 2017

Lynley Byrne, Compass Health Clinical Leader for Primary Mental Health, is now one of a handful of Mental Health Nurse Practitioners working at the highest clinical nursing scope in New Zealand.

‘So with this qualification, I can offer comprehensive assessment, diagnosis and treatment for mental health and addictions issues in the mild to moderate scope within primary general practice, where I am currently based,’ says Byrne.’ I also work collaboratively with the practice teams and specialist mental health services in cases where a patient requires more specialist mental health treatment.’

Nurse Practitioners work within a specific area of practice, using advanced knowledge and skills. They practice both independently and in collaboration with other healthcare professionals to promote health and prevent disease, and to diagnose, assess and manage people’s health needs.

‘By providing this service within primary practice, a patient only needs to see one clinician without having to be referred back to their GP for any medication they may need to treat their mental health issues,’ she says, ‘so it’s better for patients and for practice teams.’

Nurse Practitioner journey:

While working with CCDHB in community mental health, Byrne received a Master of nursing, Post Graduate diplomas in Mental Health nursing and CBT, (cognitive behavioural therapy), and has worked in community mental health roles for the last 20 years.

Through her work with Compass Health, Byrne has helped develop a new local Mental Health model of primary care, reducing wait times for those referred with mild to moderate needs by half and implementing in-practice mental health professionals. She has also contributed to development the N4 ‘Closing the Loop’ Mental Health Care publication, which articulates a future vision of primary care-based mental health services.

‘Lynley is a valued member of our team and we are delighted to celebrate this milestone with her,’ says Martin Hefford CEO Compass Health. ‘We are committed to professional staff development and this demonstrates the calibre of talent working within Compass Health.’

Social Media Post: Lynley talks about how a nurse practitioner provides a better service for both patients and practice teams.

More info:
There are currently 19 Mental Health Nurse Practitioners in New Zealand with Lynley Byrne being the only practitioner in Wellington working within this scope.

Nurse Practitioners draw on a wealth of education and experience, and have the ability to make complex decisions for the care of individual patients and populations, some liken the role to a mix of nursing and medical. This overlap in skills should promote efficiency and flexibility in the use of valuable health resources and is a key element in the Health Care Home model of care which is a joint partnership between CCDHB and Compass Health as well as other local PHOs.

Lynley Byrne:
Clinical Leader, Primary Mental Health, Compass Health
Mobile 027 227 2661

Compass Health Communications Advisor:
Susan Fullerton-Smith
Mobile 022 638 0578

http://www.compasshealth.org.nz/HealthServices/MentalHealth
www.healthcarehome.org.nz
@compasshealthnz

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Press Release: From The National Health Care Home Collaborative

Release Date: 11/07/2017

The New Zealand Health Care Home Collaborative is supporting primary care networks and practices to improve patient services, increase efficiency, and expand staff roles by launching a National Model of Care Requirements document this week.

“A patient should now benefit from the same Health Care Home experience, whether they live in Otago or the Far North,” says Dr Andrew Miller Clinical Lead - Northland DHB.

The Health Care Home programme is being rolled out across New Zealand, with 89 practices now using some or all of the Health Care Home model of care. The National Health Care Home model of care requirements, sets out national credentialing and operational guidelines for PHOs, practices and providers within a set of four key focus areas (domains):

1. Ready access to urgent and unplanned care.
2. Proactive care for those with more complex need.
3. Better Routine and preventative care.
4. Improved Business efficiency & sustainability

“This set of requirements marks a maturity for the programme, which until now has been delivered at a local area and within very broad parameters,” says Dr Jeff Lowe, Karori Medical Centre.

Health Care Home Model of Care Requirements

About the NZ Health Care Home Collaborative:
Representing the primary health care needs of over half the enrolled population of New Zealand, Collaborative PHO members include Compass Health, Pegasus, Pinnacle, ProCare, Manaia Health and Te Tai Tokerau, Northland DHB, with national supporting organisations, the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP), GPNZ and DHB partners. More information here.

The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners is working with the Collaborative to incorporate the Health Care Home requirements into its current Aiming for Excellence, which covers the Foundation Standard and Cornerstone Programme.

The NZ Health Care Home Collaborative has recently welcomed Central PHO which aims to deliver improved access to patients throughout the Palmerston-North, Manawatu, Tararua and Horowhenua regions.

Contact:
Martin Hefford – National Health Care Home Collaborative Chair
martin.hefford@compasshealth.org.nz

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World Smokefree Day 2017 - ‘Quit now – it’s about whānau’

‘Quit now – it’s about whānau’ is the message for this year’s World Smokefree Day, and it starts in all our homes and communities. “Research indicates that children with parents who smoke are three times more likely to become smokers,” explains Wendy Horo-Gregory, Clinical Quality Improvement Lead for Compass Health.

Celebrated globally on 31 May, this year’s World Smokefree Day is about encouraging and supporting friends, families and whānau across New Zealand to quit, creating environments where our children are free from exposure to tobacco.

In support of the initiative, Compass Health ran a Porirua Health Promotion event today in collaboration with Takiri Mai Te Ata (Regional Stop Smoking Service) and Regional Public Health, 11am - 1.30pm.

“Children see their parents/caregivers smoke and this has a strong effect on what they perceive as normal.” says Horo-Gregory. Michael, a Porirua resident and smokefree for 4 months, agrees.

Seeing his whānau suffering the effects of Emphysema has been the biggest reason for Michael to quit smoking.

“I was brought up by my Nan who was a smoker and had my first cigarette at about 7,” says Michael, now aged 62. “It was all fun and games to start with but the addiction has held me ever since,” he says. “I’ve had a smoke in my hand for over fifty years.”

Often returning to visit the small East Coast settlement of Whangara, Michael describes seeing family members with oxygen bottles and still smoking as “a real wake up call.” “I don’t want to look like that,” he says.

Michael has been supported on the cessation journey with help from an in-practice quit smoking coach. During this time he has tried a variety of smoking cessation aids including patches and Champex.

A further positive step has been to encourage his son to stop smoking. “Santos was going to the gym and losing weight but still smoking,” says Michael, “It just didn’t make sense.”

“Right now I’m feeling good, saving money and my blood pressure is way down,” he says. “I’m a fisherman, I want to spend time with my Moko and teach them how to fish, I hope it’s not too late.’

World Smokefree Day is a perfect opportunity to work together to achieve the goal of a Smokefree Aotearoa 2025, encouraging and supporting more people to quit to have a future in which our children and grandchildren will enjoy tobacco-free lives.

For more information on becoming smokefree contact your General Practice or visit www.smokefree.org.nz

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Press Release: from Compass Health PHO

Release date: 29/05/17

Compass Health provided a warm Pacific welcome to distinguished guests, health leaders and community providers last night during the Foe A Te Vaka Pacific Health Action Plan launch.

The launch celebrated a Pacific Health Action Plan to provide local Pacific communities with a better Primary Care health system response in the Wellington region.

Foe A Te Vaka was launched by Minister for Pacific Peoples Hon Alfred Ngaro this week with members of the local Pacific community and Pacific providers.

‘Foe A Te Vaka signifies a collaborative effort between Wellington’s Pacific community and Compass Health,’ says Dr Larry Jordan Chair – Compass Health, ‘and was the culmination of extensive research and consultation within the Pacific communities and health providers.’

The health status of Pacific people lags behind that of non-Pacific. Compass Health is responsible for over 13,500 Pacific people in its enrolled population and is charged with addressing the health needs of all people to reduce health disparities. The plan focuses on five priority areas:

Compass Health Action Plan priorities:

1. To Improve and Sustain Child and Youth Health (0-24 years)
2. Empowering Pacific families to make positive changes for improved health and wellness.
3. Ensure quality primary health care is available, accessible, affordable and is family-centred
4. Best practice is supported through Provider and Workforce Development
5. Pacific Health research and effective use of data

‘This plan is an important guide for Compass Health and the wider health sector’ says Tofa Suafole-Gush - Chair of the Compass Health Pacific Committee. ‘It links our local health planning with wider government policies and strategies.’

‘Foe A Te Vaka is a valuable action plan for Pacific peoples,’ says Dr Jordan, ‘providing clear milestones for future health service development in the wider Wellington region that both the health sector and Pacific people can support.’

Foe A Te Vaka Brochure

More information:

Compass Health is a Primary Health Organisation (PHO) that provides a wide range of primary care services through 60 General Practice Teams and a number of other health care providers throughout the Wellington, Porirua, Kapiti and Wairarapa regions.

Susan Fullerton-Smith
Communications Advisor
Susan.fullerton-smith@compasshealth.org.nz
022 638 0578
www.compasshealth.org.nz
Twitter: @compasshealthnz

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Media Release: From Compass Health

Release Date: 23/05/2017

Collaboration across agencies for better local child and youth outcomes was the focus of discussions between Prime Minister Bill English, the Hon. Amy Adams and the Tumai Hauora Alliance (previously the Porirua Social Sector Trial), held in the Porirua courthouse recently.

The Alliance of 10 Government agencies with Ngati Toa Rangatira Iwi, aims to collaborate and share information to identify and support early intervention with better outcomes for children (0-9 years old), youth (10-24 years old) and their whanau within the Porirua area.

‘We have made a commitment to continue this model and approach, identify further opportunities and to share our skills,’ says THA Chair Dr Peter Gush.

Led by Compass Health, the following early initiatives from this whole-of-sector approach were showcased:

• Supporting strengthened student access to social support while achieving in education services at Mana College through the development and provision of a junior school Tuakana Teina mentoring programme
• Bee Healthy Free Dental Service now has an additional 2000 children enrolled and now receiving free dental care
• Police services aiming to reduce family harm and are trialling an intensive whanau support initiative for families with high intervention call-out rates. For one family, this meant no police call outs during the pilot.
• A 50% reduction in the number of children being admitted to hospital for cellulitis
• District Court House now displaying locally sourced carvings reflecting the journey of Porirua, the establishment of a children’s play area, a Kaumatua Service and health promotion awareness.

Discussion also centred on enablement of smarter data share opportunities.

Previously known as the Porirua Social Sector Trial, the model had a ministerial mandate with a community lead health action plan, reaching local targets to reduce Ambulatory Sensitive Admissions to hospital. This model has now developed into a broader remit for child and youth outcomes and encompasses Ministries of Justice, Health, CCDHB, Education, Ministry of Social Development, New Zealand Police, Ngati Toa Rangatira, Porirua City Council, Te Puni Kokiri, New Zealand Housing and Regional Public Health.

‘We know that this will improve the lives and experiences of our children, young people and whanau,’ says Ranei Wineera-Parai - Tumai Hauora ki Porirua Manager.

More information:

Compass Health Communications Advisor
Susan Fullerton-Smith
Susan.fullerton-smith@compasshealth.org.nz
0226380578

Ranei Wineera-Parai
Tumai Hauora ki Porirua Manager
Compass Health
Ranei.Wineera-Parai@compasshealth.org.nz
027 436 1108

www.compasshealth.org.nz

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Media Release: From Compass Health

Date: 06/03//2017

A new qualification combining both primary care clinical and administrative skills is helping practice team members to work at the top of their scope. Primary Health Care Assistant graduates celebrated their success at Compass Health offices last month, following completion of the level 4 NZQA qualification.

‘A Primary Health Care Assistant (PHCA) can become the ‘eyes of the practice,’ floating between daily stand-up management, to blood pressure checks and call-backs in the space of a day,’ says Melissa Simpson - Health Care Home Lead Compass Health. ‘The role can grow organically, to suit the needs of each practice team,’ she says.

Jen, a recent graduate, is aiming for a career in Practice Management and works at Waikanae Health. Practice Manager Glenda Henshilwood says, ‘we have seen how Jen has applied herself to the challenge of the study, and her great results are well deserved. We have also seen her on-going willingness to use her new knowledge in her role as PHCA. Jen is always enthusiastic, willing and keen to contribute and we are all very proud of her development, becoming a highly valued member of our team.’

Most of the eight graduates work within Health Care Home Compass Health practices, the PHCA role being a key requirement to enable greater practice capacity within strengthened teams. Graduates also represented Ora Toa and Porirua Union Health Services.

Raewyn, Practice Manager at Miramar Medical Centre says, ‘it’s been great developing the role within our practice thanks to the Compass Health subsidy, which has made this possible and within reach.’ Compass Health currently subsidises 50% of the PHCA course costs for participating Compass Health Practices,

Chris Kerr Compass Health Chief Operating Officer, congratulated graduates saying, ‘it’s great to be able to celebrate the success of the students, a fantastic achievement that will offer new opportunities in the future.’

The next intake of eight PHCA students have started their study with an induction day held recently. For more information on the PHCA role and how to apply please contact: Henrietta Hunkin - Practice Relationship Manager | Team Leader Compass Health

Additional Information

Health Care Home

More than 130,000 people - about 45% of the total CCDHB population, are set to receive improved access to health care as 8 further practices join up to the Capital & Coast DHB and local PHOs – Compass Health, Cosine, Ora Toa and Well Health initiative – rolling out the new Health Care Home model across the greater Wellington region.

People enrolled with Health Care Home practices can expect improved response to phone calls and, for urgent appointment requests, a conversation with a GP or nurse may even save a trip to the practice. Online services include requesting prescriptions, making appointments, and messaging the GP.

Media contact
Susan Fullerton-Smith - Communications Advisor
Susan.fullerton-smith@compasshealth.org.nz
0226380578

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Joint Media Release: From Compass Health PHO and Well Health Trust PHO

Release date: 16 February 2017

Representitives from Compass Health and Well Health Primary Health Organisations announced today an intention to enter into a merger agreement over the coming months.

‘Increased general practice pressures, care complexity, inadequate funding and rapid technological change, continue to impact the services we can deliver within our high needs community,’ says Dr Bryan Betty – Well Health Chair. ‘This collaboration sees us ensure as much resource as possible goes into our health centres, so they are sustainable and can continue to offer the very best primary care for our many high needs patients.’

‘This merger brings with it many collaborative benefits,’ says Compass Health Chair Dr Larry Jordan, ‘combining the strengths of both organisations to maximise frontline health resource and services for the benefit of over 300,000 Wellington and Porirua people.’

‘As part of the merger arrangements we will be forming a Council to represent our Very Low Cost Access practices’ says Dr Betty. ‘These practices have high need populations with specific requirements that we do not want to get missed in the overall service planning and delivery processes.’

While discussions continue, joint staff, patient and stakeholder communication will continue to ensure a smooth and seamless transition,’ says Dr Jordan. Patient services provided by Compass Health, Well Health and their respective general practice teams will continue as usual,’ he says.

Additional Information

Well Health Trust is a not for profit, community-led primary health care network providing a range of health services to the communities of Wellington and Porirua to 13,500 patients via its three member practices (Porirua Union Community Health Service, Newtown Union Health Service and Evolve Youth Service) and other contracted providers.

Compass Health is a leading New Zealand Primary Health Organisation with a network of 60 general practices providing quality primary health care services to around 290,000 people across the Wellington, Porirua, Wairarapa, and Kapiti areas.

Media contact
Compass Health: Susan Fullerton-Smith – 0226390578
Email: Susan.fullerton-smith@compasshealth.org.nz

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Press Release: From Compass Health

Release Date: 02/12/2016

More than 20,000 high needs patients are set to receive improved access to health care as five VLCA (Very Low Cost Access) practices join up to the Capital & Coast DHB and local PHOs – Compass Health, Cosine, Ora Toa and Well Health initiative – rolling out the new Health Care Home model across the greater Wellington region.

From October 1st, 60,000 patients or 20% of the CCDHB population, at nine practices, can expect improved response to phone calls and, for urgent appointment requests, a conversation with a GP or nurse may even save a trip to the practice. Online services include requesting prescriptions, making appointments, and messaging the GP.

“We see the Health Care Home model allowing us room to provide same day appointments for high needs patients who often require more spontaneous healthcare needs,” says Hora Te Pai GP - Chris Fawcett. “We’ve already seen encouraging results in reducing hospital & after-hours admissions through daily patient phone triage and a reduction in walk-in patients.”

It is anticipated that patients at a further eight more practices will see benefits as the Tranche Two rollout, covering a total population of 130,000 people - about 45% of the total population, is planned over 2017/18.

"Thousands of people across greater Wellington are now benefitting from the Health Care Homes initiative, which is a significant investment in the health and wellbeing of people throughout our region," said CCDHB Chief Executive Debbie Chin.

"This initiative demonstrates how we work with PHOs to find innovative ways for GPs to provide better preventative, proactive and urgent care - especially for high needs patients - to create better health outcomes in our communities."

Additional information

Compass Health is a Primary Health Organisation (PHO) that provides a wide range of primary care services through 60 General Practice Teams and a number of other health care providers throughout the Wellington, Porirua, Kapiti and Wairarapa regions.

Media contacts
Compass Health: Susan Fullerton-Smith – 0226390578
CCDHB: Chas Te Runa – 027 230 9571

Health Care Home Benefits

Patients that need urgent care can expect:

• Improved response to phone calls and a conversation with a GP or nurse if necessary;
• An appointment on the same day they call;
• To be able to send a message online to their GP;
• After-hours or ED staff can see patient’s health record;
• More services (e.g. IV therapy) at the practice, rather than having to go to hospital.

Patients with long-term health conditions can expect:

• Support to manage their long-term condition and a clear plan;
• Community health providers to work together with the GP team;
• Longer appointment times when necessary;
• Access to online services including messaging GPs, seeing lab results, and requesting prescriptions.
• Support for self-care / self-management.

Patients that are not sick and want to stay well can expect:

• Screening;
• Health promotion / health advice;
• Immunisations;
• Population health and wellbeing monitoring (e.g. Cardiovascular Risk Assessment, Smoking Cessation).

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Media release: From Compass Health

Release date: 1/12/2016

Since June 2014, 317 people across the Capital & Coast DHB region have been successfully treated for suspected Deep Vein Thrombosis in their community. Around two years ago (April 15), almost 60% of patients with a distal Deep Vein Thrombosis were treated at Wellington Regional Hospital.

Today, almost all patients with a suspected DVT are being diagnosed and treated in primary care through a joint initiative between CCDHB and the region’s PHOs – Primary Options for Acute Care (POAC).

Launched in 2014, POAC provides patients with alternative treatment options to the Emergency Department. POAC is a service which enables primary care providers to maximise the management of their acute patients in the community.

Dr Chris Kalderimis, Compass Health POAC Medical Director says, "The GPs I've spoken to are very enthusiastic about being able to treat both DVTs and Cellulitis under the POAC guidelines and look forward to being able to treat a great number of conditions in the community instead of in a hospital. This will be an enormous help to our patients!”

After the initial GP consult, POAC fully funds the diagnostic and treatment required for a suspected distal DVT. This offers a more timely, convienent and continuous patient care, and also translaties into significant cost savings for CCDHB.

“We have invested around $200,000 this year to have the POAC programme delivered by the PHOs across the region,” said CCDHB Acting Director Service Integration Development Unit Sandra Williams.

“Our investment in POAC will give patients access to specialised diagnosis and treatment closer to home – rather than having to go to hospital, and the programme is on-track to deliver around 450 courses of treatment in 2016/17.”

Following on from this success, CCDHB and the region’s PHOs have launched another POAC-funded pathway for Acute Urinary Retention. This additional pathway will enable more patients to be managed acutely within primary care.

Additional information

Compass Health is a Primary Health Organisation (PHO) that provides a wide range of primary care services through 60 General Practice Teams and a number of other health care providers throughout the Wellington, Porirua, Kapiti and Wairarapa regions.

Media contacts
Compass Health: Susan Fullerton-Smith – 0226390578
CCDHB: Chas Te Runa – 027 230 9571

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From: Compass Health PHO

Date: 28/10/2016

Background:

Compass Health was successful with their Ministry of Health Request for Proposal (RFP) to provide ‘Community referral options for weight management support’; the target group being those at high risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease with the aim of weight reduction.

New Zealand’s fastest growing long-term condition is diabetes. According to the Virtual Diabetes Register in 2014 an estimated 257,700 New Zealanders have been diagnosed with diabetes. This number is expected to double during the next two decades. Although the prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes is increasing for all ethnicities and age groups Pacific, Māori and Indian people are disproportionately affected. Obesity is a key risk factor of diabetes, combined with poor health literacy, mental illness and other lifestyle and environmental factors.

In order to manage the risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular disease, the Ministry of Health was looking for a supplier to support at-risk adults to achieve weight loss through a variety of diet and lifestyle changes. This procurement included the development of a referral pathway from primary care to an existing weight management programme, and evaluation of that pathway and programme. The intention was to link GPs and patients to an established commercial or community weight loss providers that are not traditionally regarded as referral partners.

This is just one of a suite of initiatives to support the sector’s work on obesity across a number of business units, and relates to the delivery of the Ministry of Health’s plan ‘Living Well with Diabetes: A plan for people at high risk of or living with diabetes 2015–2020’. Those at high risk includes people identified as high risk of developing diabetes with and HbA1c of 41-49 mmol/mol and a BMI of 30-40.

Compass Health (CH) has partnered with Weight Watchers (WW) to facilitate referral for eligible patients to one of the WW 6 or 3 month online, group or 1:1 programme.

CH identified key practices with the higher numbers of patients meeting the high risk criteria and approached those practices to gather interest in the project. The aim was to have a minimum of 200 people participating in the WW programme so that a reasonable amount of data would be available to evaluate the programme and the programme would run within the available budget. The 6 or 3 month programme for the participants is at no cost to the participant.

Letters were sent from practices to eligible people. The letters included detailed information on the programme and a brief outline of WWs.

The programme includes at no cost to the participant:

• an initial assessment with a practice staff member (usually a practice nurse.) This initial assessment includes information on pre-diabetes, what the individual can do to reduce their risks of developing diabetes, information on exercise and how to access low cost exercise options in the Wellington area, baseline measurements and enrolment onto one of 3 programmes offered by WWs.
• WWs membership for 3 or 6 months (6 if recruited in July)
• 2 Follow up appointments 3 and 6 months post WWs membership to review the measurements

Since June 2016 Compass Health and Weight Watchers have continued to progress their collaborative Weight management programme, which is an Australasian first. The recruitment process is nearly complete with 500 GP initiated invitations to participate sent for the pre-diabetic Ministry funded weight management programme.

Key points:

• 190 people recruited
• 135 are on the 6 month programme with the remainder taking part in the 3 month option.
• General Practice/Primary Care led
• Most people are taking part in the group programme (as opposed to the online or 1 to 1 options), which in previous studies has been shown to be the most effective way of losing and maintaining weight loss.
• The “typical” weight watchers member is a woman in her 40’s, whereas our cohort is older (in their 50s or 60s) with a far higher proportion of men – 40%

Early results:
For the people who are taking part, early results are very encouraging. There are some huge weight losses being recorded – up to 15 kgs since July!

The weight loss % from the male participants is trending higher at this point.

Additional information

Compass Health is a Primary Health Organisation (PHO) that provides a wide range of primary care services through 60 General Practice Teams and a number of other health care providers throughout the Wellington, Porirua, Kapiti and Wairarapa regions.

Key contact
Susan Fullerton-Smith – Communications Advisor
0226390578
www.compasshealth.org.nz
Weight Watchers Australasia contact: Julie Howden (JHowden@weightwatchers.com.au)

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Press Release: From Compass Health in partnership with the ‘Network 4’ PHO collaborative

Release Date: 25 August 2016

Closing the Loop is available here

New Zealand’s four largest Primary Health Organisations (PHOs) have joined forces to develop an ambitious vision for the future of mental health and addiction services.

Launching the plan, CEO of ProCare, Steve Boomert said: ‘Too many people with mental health and addictions issues cannot access the timely and integrated care and support they need.

‘Our document, Closing the Loop, sets out how we can transform the provision of services and the experience of service-users by drawing together the skills and resources of all the relevant agencies. It sets out a model of support that’s based around the person, with easy access, both physically and virtually, to the full range of health and social services.

‘We strongly believe there is real need and potential for primary care to be a more comprehensive, effective and efficient provider of mental health services – given the opportunity and the funding.’

The document sets out recommendations based on five key themes:

• Having a person-centred mental health and addictions system that achieves meaningful outcomes tailored to the needs of the population;
• Having a place-based model of support that supports self-determination and wellness;
• Ensuring the right enablers are in place including having a suitably skilled workforce; making good use of technology; and having appropriate funding models;
• Having well-resourced research and evaluation;
• Having the right leadership at all levels

The model is underpinned by the concept of the ‘Health Care Home’ and principles of partnership, continuity and integration between primary, community, non-government organisations and specialist services.

Vince Barry, CEO of Pegasus Health said: ‘A clear testament to our commitment to partnership, and the strengthened relationships that have emerged in the process of developing Closing the Loop, is the agreement signed today between Network 4 and Platform Trust. We look forward to progressing dialogue, joint working and shared leadership arrangements to implement the recommendations we’ve put forward.

‘We believe that current examples of good practice, including the case studies we have highlighted, can be scaled and shared and will be exploring how we can develop primary care-led demonstrations and examplars over the next few months.’

Additional information

The ‘Network 4’ group of PHOs is a collaboration of New Zealand’s four largest PHOs: Compass Health, Pinnacle Midlands Health Network, Pegasus Health and ProCare Health. Collectively, Network 4 is responsible for the primary care needs of almost 2 million New Zealanders.

Compass Health is a Primary Health Organisation (PHO) that provides a wide range of primary care services through 60 General Practice Teams and a number of other health care providers throughout the Wellington, Porirua, Kapiti and Wairarapa regions.

Key contact
Susan Fullerton-Smith – Communications Advisor
0226390578
www.compasshealth.org.nz

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Media release: From Compass Health PHO

Release date: 07/04/2016

Compass Health congratulates the Martinborough Health Centre team; awarded Best Rural General Practice Team 2016 at the annual National Rural Health conference held in Dunedin last week.

This award celebrates the best of rural General Practice team success, as nominated by their community. Nominations provided examples where rural practice teams had gone above and beyond to deliver excellence in rural general practice.

‘The Martinborough Health Centre’s win for ‘Best Rural Practice for 2016’ is a great example of how well primary care is working in the community. It’s a fantastic achievement for the Practice and its staff but also the rural people it serves. I’m delighted by their success,’ says Adri Isbister - Chief Executive Wairarapa District Health Board.

The winning nomination demonstrated community fund raising advocacy, enabling purchase of Ultrasound equipment. For some patients this could mean early diagnosis and ultimately better services, closer to home. GP owner Dr Steve Philip spent 12 months qualifying for an Ultrasound practicing Diploma.

‘This demonstrates how the Wairarapa is an attractive work and life-style choice for GPs who can see first-hand, that rural General Practice a rewarding team based environment,’ says Justine Thorpe - Compass Health Tihei Wairarapa Programme Director.

Additional Information

Martinborough Health Services is part of the Compass Health PHO and has 2,500 registered patients. Led by GP owner Dr Steve Philip, the centre has 11 staff made up of 2 GP’s, a nurse practitioner, 2 practice nurses and support staff. Services offered: Medical and nursing services, Immunisations, Drivers Medical, Minor Surgery, Sexual Health, Cardio Vascular Assessments, Quit Smoking Help and Chronic Care Management.

Visiting Specialists include: Physiotherapist, Optician, Podiatrist, Diabetes Nurse Specialist, Respiratory Nurse Specialist and Mental Health Nurse Specialist.

Compass Health is a Primary Health Organisation (PHO) that provides a wide range of primary care services through 60 General Practice Teams and a number of other health care providers throughout the Wellington, Porirua, Kapiti and Wairarapa regions.

Key contact
Susan Fullerton-Smith – Compass Health Communications Advisor
0226390578
www.compasshealth.org.nz

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Press Release: From Compass Health with Central PHO and Te Awakairangi Health Network

Release Date: 4th March 2016

Compass Health, with Central PHO and Te Awakairangi Health Network, are jointly undertaking a project to review, evaluate and select a preferred Practice Management System (PMS) for each respective general practice network. This comes as some Practice Management Systems face upgrade and new version requirements in the near future.

The three PHOs in consultation with Practices require a preferred PMS that:

• supports practices to deliver the best patient care
• supports integrated care across the sector
• ensures value for money through collective purchasing
• provides a best fit solution for now and future needs

A number of Requests for Proposal submissions were evaluated and the following vendors have been shortlisted:

MedTech (Evolution)

Valentia (indici)

Epic (Epic)

Intrahealth (Profile)

General practice teams are actively participating in the evaluation process to ensure that the successful solution supports excellent patient care throughout the whole system.

The shortlisted vendors have been invited to present to the combined review teams this week in Wellington with road shows at multiple locations scheduled for May 16-20.

For queries about the process, the vendors, or the shortlist, please contact: projectsupport@compasshealth.org.nz

Additional Information

Compass Health is a Primary Health Organisation (PHO) that provides a wide range of primary care services through 60 General Practice Teams and a number of other health care providers throughout the Wellington, Porirua, Kapiti and Wairarapa regions.

Key contact
Susan Fullerton-Smith – Communications Advisor
0226390578
www.compasshealth.org.nz

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Media release: From Compass Health PHO

Release date: 15/02/2016

The New Year sees 95% of Compass Health practices opting in for the highest level of accreditation available through the Royal NZ College of General Practice Cornerstone programme, which is a first for a PHO of this size in New Zealand.

‘This result demonstrates the commitment from our GP teams towards continual quality improvement and ultimately better health outcomes for our community’, says Dr Larry Jordan, Compass Chair.

To date, 5 of the 6 Wairarapa Compass practices have signed up for the Aiming for Excellence Cornerstone accreditation, with the Kuripuni practice committed to meeting the compulsory Foundation standard by June 2016. The Foundation Standard represents what is considered to be the minimum entry level legal, professional, and regulatory requirements for general practice, while the optional Cornerstone Aiming or Excellence accreditation is currently seen as the gold standard.

“Cornerstone is an important step in the journey towards quality improvement which will benefit not just our Practice but our whole community”, says Dr Tony Becker of the xyz Medical Centre. For us, Cornerstone demands a whole practice team effort, strengthening what we are already doing well and helping us understand what we can do better. This means we can continue to provide the best care for our patients."

Martin Hefford - Compass Health CEO notes that “Cornerstone is just one of the many ways we are working to support and invest in Wairarapa practices. Working together (or) within a framework of Trust, Teamwork and Technology, we are utilising newer models of care that involve nurse practitioners, strengthening gp teams within primary care and integration with hospital services such as clinical nurse specialists to manage (?) challenges.”

“We want to ensure the Wairarapa continues to be an attractive work and life-style choice for GPs who can see first-hand, our investment in making general practice a rewarding team based environment,’ says Hefford.”

Further work towards General Practice excellence sees a programme of integration work within primary care progressing locally. To date, 9 practices in the Wellington region have expressed interest in achieving Health Care Home status, aiming to make care more seamless for their patients within the practice and beyond.

Additional Information:

Compass Health is a Primary Health Organisation (PHO) that provides a wide range of primary care services through 60 General Practice Teams and a number of other health care providers throughout the Wellington, Porirua, Kapiti and Wairarapa regions.

Key contact Susan Fullerton-Smith – Communications Advisor
0226390578
www.compasshealth.org.nz

CORNERSTONE is an accreditation programme specifically designed and managed by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners for general practices in New Zealand. Cornerstone uses self-assessment and external peer review processes for health care organisations to accurately assess their level of performance against established standards and to identify ways to continuously improve the health care system.