Media release from the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners

The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners has welcomed the acknowledgement by the ministerial review group of the critical importance of primary care.

"It is very pleasing to see that the report's authors understand that continuing investment in primary care will play a large role in ensuring the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of New Zealand's public health system," said College president, Dr Jonathan Fox.

The report, Meeting the Challenges, was prepared by the ministerial review group.  It was released on Sunday, August 16.

Dr Fox said there has been a longstanding and erroneous view that the quality and availability of primary care is somehow not directly related to public health outcomes.

"This report recognises the inappropriateness of that view and looks to remedy it.  That is a very positive outcome for New Zealanders and one which most GPs will think is long overdue."

Dr Fox said the College of General Practitioners is looking forward to working with government on quality and safety issues as highlighted by the report.

"This is part of the process of allowing clinicians in the primary and secondary sectors to develop better integrated modules of care that provide better patient outcomes.

"It is about providing the right care in the right place at the right time and by the right person, and this report acknowledges the importance of this approach."

He said the report also recognises the importance for New Zealand's health care system of developing our own qualified and sustainable health workforce.

"This is something the College has been concerned about for some time," Dr Fox said.