Pinnacle Incorporated

30/08/2024

Te Kiingi o Te Kotahitanga, Te Kiingi o Te Aroha, Kiingi Tuuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII
Kua riro koe ki tua o pae maumahara. E te Kiingi, e moe, e moe, e moe.
Rire Rire Hau Paimaarire
E kore e mutu ngā mihi, e kore e mutu ngā roimata.

It was with great sadness to hear of the passing of Kiingi Tuheitia this morning. We extend our deepest condolences to the whānau, Waikato-Tainui, and all Māoridom on this profound loss for all of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Kiingi Tuheitia inspired us as a nation, through his leadership and commitment to his people. We acknowledge his mana and the significant contribution he made to Aotearoa.
We will remember Kiingi Tuheitia's dedication, alongside that of his mother, the late Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, to improving the health and wellbeing of Māori. His powerful calls for Kotahitanga and unity, most recently at his Koroneihana, will be a lasting reminder of his legacy. Our thoughts and aroha are with all those who grieve today.
'Kotahi te kōhao o te ngira e kuhuna ai te miro mā, te miro pango, te miro whero’. (‘There is but one eye of the needle, through which white, black and red cotton must pass.’)
Naa Kiingi Pootatau.

06/08/2024

"Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all" is the focus of this year’s World Breastfeeding Week (1-7 August) celebrations. World Breastfeeding Week is an annual celebration held every year in more than 120 countries.

Discover the benefits of breastfeeding and learn how to support whānau in their breastfeeding journey. While challenges can arise, Healthify's guide provides expert advice to help overcome them and achieve breastfeeding success: https://healthify.nz/hauora-wellbeing/b/breastfeeding-topics

31/07/2024

The Quit Smoking - Once and For All team are keen to know more about people's va**ng habits in order to shape better support initiatives. Open until midnight Sunday 4 August, this survey will take less than 2 minutes to complete and participants go into the draw to win a $100 voucher: www.surveymonkey.com/r/L5MJC2S

30/07/2024

Antimicrobial resistance is when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change over time and no longer respond to antimicrobial medicines, like antibiotics. When this happens infections become harder to treat and there is an increased risk of the infection spreading. Preventing infection and using antimicrobials (such as antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitics) appropriately are key ways of fighting antimicrobial resistance. Learn more at Healthify: https://healthify.nz/medicines-a-z/a/antibiotic-resistance

27/07/2024

Every 30 seconds someone loses their life to a hepatitis related illness. World Hepatitis Day, held yearly on 28 July, is one of only 13 official disease-specific world health days recognised by the World Health Organisation. More than 150,000 people in Aotearoa live with chronic hepatitis and most are unaware they have it. Visit Hepatitis Foundation of New Zealand to learn about hepatitis b and if you should be tested or get treatment.

25/07/2024

No appointment needed! At Te Awamutu Plunket, 9am-3pm this Saturday.

We know how busy during the week can be juggling little ones 🤗 So we've tried to make it a little more convenient for you!! 🙌 Drop on by this Saturday for child Immunisations by Pinnacle Health, Pinnacle Incorporated. No appointment needed!

💛If you also want a well child check from a Plunket Nurse head on over to this link to book a set time ➡️ https://forms.office.com/r/1qGgrHeHBW

OR just drop on in on the day anytime from 9am - 3pm!

22/07/2024

We were honoured to be invited to Rauawaawa Kaumatua Trust's opening of Stage 2 of their dementia and age-friendly facility earlier this month. Pinnacle has been a proud supporter of the Trust for many years, and excited to be part of this milestone event with so many others including community and and key representatives of Whānau Ora, Te Whatu Ora | Health NZ, and Te Ngira Whānau Ora Collective. Congratulations to everyone involved for the new facility and such a great event!

A big thanks to CEO Rangimahora Reddy, kaumātua and kaimahi for the warm welcome!

https://rauawaawa.co.nz/

15/07/2024

He taonga (blood pressure support) is a six-week online programme produced by the Stroke Foundation of NZ, aimed at helping people change their lifestyle and manage their blood pressure. The programme is for Māori adults and has been developed by Māori for Māori. You can find out more or sign up here: www.stroke.org.nz/he-taonga
https://youtu.be/plhEw2-pfds?si=FEEdR8q1gAnGcxGy

The Stroke Foundation has developed He taonga, a tool to help you and your whanau maintain a healthy blood pressure and improve your hauora.He taonga is a si...

27/06/2024

Changes to COVID-19 telehealth services (effective 1 July 2024)

As Aotearoa New Zealand’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic transitions to a ‘business as usual’ approach, some specific COVID-19 telehealth services are being decommissioned from 1 July. Here's what you need to know...

Changes to contacting Healthline:
- The dedicated COVID Healthline (0800 358 5453) will no longer be available.
- For COVID-related enquiries, please call the general Healthline (0800 611 116).
- There will be no Healthline doctor support, but Healthline nurses and paramedics will continue to provide expert, trusted health advice, treatment, and information.

Check our website for who to contact for support and information after 1 July: www.pinnacle.co.nz/news/changes-to-covid-19-telehealth-services-effective-1-july-2024

20/06/2024

As we always say (or as we’re saying now), the proof is in ngā pikitia! Not only does the Pinnacle MHN team crush it at work, but we also know how to have a good time. From rocking our pink shirts to raise awareness and take a stand against bullying, to supporting whānau to prioritise their wellbeing at a World Smoke Free Day hauora event, we’re all about a healthy dose of fun.

13/06/2024

Held at the K'aute Pasifika Fale, these workshops are for Waikato-based Pasifika families and communities to build their knowledge, confidence and skills around managing diabetes. Spaces are limited, register for one of the sessions today! https://tinyurl.com/3z8fzwv9

Its not too late to register! We still have available spots for this week workshops - Calling Waikato Pasifika Families! Limited spaces - don't delay - Register NOW!

11/06/2024

This week is Te Wiki Hauora Tāne, Men's Health Week NZ, dedicated to raising awareness about men's health issues. The week focuses on the health issues tāne face, and raises awareness of steps they can take to help address these. Here's a great story about Māui Barbers in Rotorua offering fades while creating a safe space for tāne to talk about their health.

"Not only is Māui Barbers a place for haircuts, but Wharepapa has also created it as a safe space for men to speak openly and to be a place of support for men’s health and wellbeing, physically, mentally, and spiritually."

Not only is Māui Barbers a place for haircuts but Wharepapa has also created it as a safe space for men to openly talk and to be a place of support for men's health and well-being

30/05/2024

𝗧𝗮𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗮, 𝘁𝗮𝗶𝘄𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲, 𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗲𝗸𝗲. 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱.
It’s a team effort! With support, you are more likely to quit smoking and stay smokefree, and everyone wins. That’s why we’re backing you!

World Smokefree May leads up to the celebration of World Smokefree Day, tomorrow! Internationally, World Smokefree Day is known as World No To***co Day, and is celebrated annually on 31 May.

If you want to start the journey to becoming smokefree, support and advice from expert teams are a quick email or phone call away. If you’re in Waikato, join us tomorrow night at our Kirikiriroa - World Smokefree Day 2024 event, 4-8pm at the K'aute Pasifika Village Fale! You can also check out Quit Smoking - Once and For All or visit World Smoke Free May for more options: https://worldsmokefreemay.nz/stop-smoking-services/

23/05/2024

Kia orana / talofa lava / bula vinaka / mauri / malo e lelei! Te Whatu Ora Taranaki is teaming up with Tui Ora for a Pasifika vaccination event this Saturday. They'll bring the vaccines and kai, you bring your aiga / whānau!

19/05/2024

Youth Week, coordinated by Ara Taiohi - Peak Body for Youth Development, is designed to encourage rangatahi (young people) to take on challenges, share ideas and focus on the positive aspects of being young. It's also to recognise the youth workers, youth service providers and others working with and for rangatahi.

In the Waikato, Pinnacle provides School-based Health Services, funded by Te Whatu Ora, in more than 40 lower decile high schools, wharekura, teen parent units, and alternative education sites. That's 14 per cent of the entire School-based Health Services across Aotearoa. We'd like to say ngā mihi nui to our team doing the mahi, supporting rangatahi to enhance their wellbeing, resilience, readiness to learn, and academic success.

18/05/2024

Today we honour and appreciate the tireless efforts of family doctors and primary care teams in improving healthcare outcomes and creating healthier communities worldwide. This year’s theme, 'Healthy planet, healthy people', is a call to action for family doctors, healthcare professionals, and communities worldwide to recognise and respond to the health challenges posed by climate change. Visit www.worldfamilydoctorday.org to learn more.

16/05/2024

Rock a pink shirt today and show your support to end the vicious cycle of bullying, promote diversity and encourage kindness and inclusivity.

Kōrero Mai, Kōrero Atu, Mauri Tū, Mauri Ora – Speak Up, Stand Together, Stop Bullying!

For more information, or to donate to the cause, visit: www.pinkshirtday.org.nz

14/05/2024

Pink Shirt Day is this Friday 17 May. Get on board and rock a pink shirt to show your support. If you'd like to donate to the cause, visit the Pink Shirt Day website: www.pinkshirtday.org.nz

11/05/2024

Around the world, we celebrate International Nurses Day to remember Florence Nightingale and her many contributions to our profession.
Nursing is hard but rewarding work, and much of what they do goes unseen by many. Today, as we celebrate International Nurses Day we recognise and celebrate our nurses in primary care, and their colleagues, who provide care and support to their enrolled population and to their communities. Thank you for all that you do.🙏

11/05/2024

Hari rā māmā! Wishing all mothers and all those who fill the role of mothers, a very happy Mother’s Day today, Sunday 12 May, from all of us at Pinnacle.

14/04/2024

𝗧𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗸𝗶!
Tui Ora, with support from Te Whatu Ora, are holding a series of free immunisation clinics across these April school holidays to help whānau get protected against preventable illnesses.

Their public health nurses will be on hand to have a chat, offer advice and complete the following immunisations for adults and tamariki.

• Eligible flu immunisations.
• Childhood immunisations.
• MMR measles immunisations.
• COVID-19 boosters.
• HPV self-swab test.

Find out more about their pop-up community immunisation clinics on their website: https://tuiora.co.nz/in-your-community/

08/04/2024

⭐️𝐖𝐚𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐭𝐨: 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐤-𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝟐𝟓 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝟔𝟗 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬⭐️

Te Whatu Ora Waikato cervical screening team and The Asian Network Inc. - TANI are providing FREE mobile clinics for Asian and migrant communities.

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧: Saturday 20 April, 9:30am-12:30pm.
𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: Hamilton Boys' High School (47/45 Peachgrove Road, Hamilton East, Hamilton).

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐯𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐲 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐧𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐓𝐞 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐮 𝐎𝐫𝐚 𝐖𝐚𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐭𝐨. 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐈𝐧𝐜. 𝐟𝐥𝐚𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤.

Asian Kiwis have the lowest cervical and breast screening rates and are falling behind in engagement with primary healthcare. According to the National Cervical Screening data, screening rates for Asian women averaged 61 percent over the past 15 years - the lowest among all major ethnic groups and far below the national target of 80 percent.

All women between 25 and 69 who have ever been sexually active should have regular three-yearly smear tests.

Everyone will receive a goodie bag. A Mandarin-speaking and a Korean-speaking staff member will be available to assist on the day.

𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfKGkK2aUuYPmZZeSpVAIxmk_Y0haByntslyOwOirxpPlwRTw/viewform

04/04/2024

Influenza (flu) vaccines are now available. Flu vaccination helps protect against the main flu viruses each year, although there's still a chance you might get the flu.

Getting immunised now helps to stop the spread of flu around your community and protects those more likely to experience severe illness from the flu.

The flu vaccine is free for people at higher risk of getting very sick from the flu, including:
- if you are aged 65+
- if you have a long-term medical condition like diabetes, asthma, or a heart condition (ages 6 months+)
- if you are pregnant
- children under 4 who have been hospitalised for, or have a history of, significant respiratory illness
- if you live with mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizoaffective disorder
- if you are currently accessing secondary or tertiary mental health and addiction services (seeing a specialist or staying in hospital or other care facilities).

To give you the best protection this winter, make sure you and your whānau are up to date with all your vaccinations. You can also book your COVID-19 vaccine, and receive it, at the same time as your flu vaccine.

To book a vaccine for yourself, a family member, or a group:
- contact your GP or healthcare provider
- visit www.bookmyvaccine.health.nz
- call 0800 28 29 26 – 8:30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
- contact your local pharmacy.

Go to info.health.nz/flu for more information.

30/03/2024

Happy International Transgender Day of Visibility! Today we celebrate the incredible strength, resilience, and joy of transgender and non-binary people everywhere.

Gender Minorities Aotearoa is a nationwide transgender organisation supporting our trans and non-binary whānau. It is run by and for transgender people; including binary and non-binary, intersex, and irawhiti takatāpui. Check out their transgender health directory to find gender affirming healthcare, information for patients and providers, vocal therapy, binders and chest tape, surgeries, hair and hair removal, health reports, and more: https://genderminorities.com/resources/transgender-health-directory/

Let's keep working towards a world where everyone feels safe and empowered to be their authentic selves.

12/03/2024

Are you Māori?
Do you live in the Waikato?
Are you hapū right now?🤰🏽
👇Keep reading!👇Be part of a local research study to ensure your pregnancy journey is the best it can be.

27/02/2024

In October 2023, Pinnacle CEO Justin Butcher joined colleagues, kaumātua, and board and Māori governance rōpū members, in Rōtorua to officially gift Ōwhata Medical Centre, to Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Pikiao. Gifting a practice to an iwi is something Pinnacle had never done before, and from what we quickly came to learn, no-one else in Aotearoa New Zealand had either. Read Justin's thoughts on the partnership here, including the need as a primary health organisation stepping into the world of te ao Māori, to "be authentic, be humble, and listen".
https://www.pinnacle.co.nz/news/a-question-of-partnership-a-humbling-experience

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Pikiao

01/02/2024

Kia ora e te whānau! We're excited to share that Hinetu Kallon Nikora, who works in our patient access centre (PAC) has been awarded Pinnacle’s inaugural Māori Education Fund scholarship, Kia Puāwai! Hinetu's passion for improving Māori health outcomes through research and modern medicine inspires us all. We're incredibly proud of her and wish her all the best in her studies! www.pinnacle.co.nz/news/hinetu-nikora-wins-pinnacles-inaugural-maori-health-education-scholarship

31/01/2024

Not every health problem needs a doctor to deal with it.

That is the diagnosis of Taranaki GP Nick Loveridge-Easther, whose practice network is one of those embracing a new multi-disciplinary way of working, including employing two overseas-trained physician associates.

Part of the health workforce in the United States since the 1960s, physician associates - or PAs - work under the supervision of a doctor, but see patients independently.

"I think there's always a bit of hesitancy with anything new, but we've only had great feedback about our PAs," Loveridge-Easther said.

"They [patients] have to get used to the fact that they can see an appropriate provider for an appropriate condition in an appropriate time, if we take all these other workforces on board."

Together with nurse practitioners, extended care paramedics, pharmacist prescribers and other health workers, physician associates had huge potential to increase New Zealanders' access to timely, quality healthcare, he said.

Read more on the RNZ website...

Physician associates work under the supervision of a doctor, but see patients independently.

16/01/2024

𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗰𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘃𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝟭𝟯–𝟮𝟱-𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿-𝗼𝗹𝗱𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹 𝟮𝟴 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰

With hundreds of rangatahi (young people) getting ready for new ventures this year, it’s a timely reminder to protect them from Meningococcal disease by getting them vaccinated for FREE.

If you know any rangatahi planning to move into a close-living situation this year, advise them to book a vaccination appointment against Meningococcal disease whilst it’s free until 28 February 2024.

Close-living situations include boarding schools, hostels, halls of residence, military barracks, and prisons.

Meningococcal disease can develop rapidly and be life-threatening. It can become deadly in just a few hours. People who survive meningococcal disease often have serious long-term effects, including amputation of limbs, hearing loss, seizures, brain injury, and permanent skin scarring.

The meningococcal vaccines protect against the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease so encourage your friends and whānau to get protected.

Make an appointment with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. Or for more information visit: https://www.immunise.health.nz/about-vaccines/nz-immunisations/meningococcal/

08/01/2024

80,000+ kiwis get skin cancer every year. Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun – so protect yourself and your whānau and don’t become a statistic. Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap – Learn more at www.sunsmart.org.nz/be-sunsmart/