For older people and frail people, the long-term benefit of medicines reduces and the potential for harm from adverse effects increases. When the benefit–risk balance changes in this way, medicine review and optimisation are important to simplify the therapeutic regimen, reduce inappropriate medicines and minimise risks. In this article, pharmacist prescriber Linda Bryant uses two case studies to illustrate important considerations during medicine reviews
Tui Ora set to take over Waitara Health Centre
Tui Ora set to take over Waitara Health Centre

Tui Ora is set to take over Waitara Health Centre as a proposal to purchase has been accepted in principle by current owners, including OmniHealth.
“As a leading Taranaki hauora provider, our focus is to serve the needs of our community, and this proposal extends the strong service presence we already have in Whaitara,” says Tui Ora Pou Tū Kūrae (Chief Executive) Alana Ruakere. “Ensuring our Whaitara whānau have continued access to GP services is our key driver in the short-term, and we are also excited about the potential for expanding our services in Whaitara in the future.
“We will be reaching out to Waitara Health Centre patients to welcome them into Tui Ora soon.”
OmniHealth Chief Executive Mark Wills welcomed the proposal and is working closely with Tui Ora to make the transition, once the agreement is formally signed, as smooth as possible for patients and staff alike.
“Accessible, culturally appropriate and high-quality health care has always been our goal at OmniHealth, and so I am delighted that the future of primary health services in Whaitara will be in the capable hands of the team at Tui Ora,” he says.
Tui Ora is planning to take over the GP practice on Grey Street, Whaitara, together with existing clinical and administration staff, from June 1, 2024.