Media release from Otago Polytech

A gathering of primary health care nurses this weekend will see debate and discussion about a future strategy for the profession in the wake of the amalgamation of the Otago and Southland District Health Boards and the advent of only one Primary Health Organisation (PHO) across both regions. Southern DHB and Southern PHO representatives will also be present and involved in the dialogue.

The regional forum has been named Southern Rebirth, and features an address by the Ministry of Health Chief Nurse, Dr Jane O'Malley, who will give the Ministry's perspective on primary health care nursing from a national standpoint. Primary health care nurse leaders will share successful models of practice from other PHOs. There will also be a panel discussion between nurses and key Southern Public Health Organisation members. The New Zealand Nurses Organisation College of Primary Health Care Nurses has given its support for this forum.

Southern Rebirth has been coordinated by Otago Polytechnic School of Nursing Principal Lecturer, Jean Ross, Mornington Health Centre Nurse Development Manager, Sally O'Connor, and Dunstan Hospital Charge Nurse of District Nursing Services, Carolyn Dobson.

"Before the amalgamation, both Otago and Southland DHBs had their own primary health care nurses' groups. Now that these two bodies belong to the Southern DHB, it's important they regroup and discuss a strategy for working together to benefit the entire southern region," says Jean Ross.

Other key topics for discussion include PHO plans for measuring how public healthcare nurses contribute to patient outcomes, communication channels between nurses and the PHO, and what the DHB is doing to recruit and retain nurses and contribute to a dynamic career framework in the southern region's urban and rural areas.

Media representatives are welcome to attend.

Southern Rebirth

Saturday 12 November, 10am - 4pm
South Otago Town and Country Club
Yarmouth St,
BALCLUTHA