Andrew Swanson-DobbsNew research has questioned whether an increased focus on primary health is effective at reducing use of hospital services. Emphasis on primary health is a key Government policy and a philosophy which is at the core of Southern District Health Board strategies. The study, by the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, said a good primary health system played a vital role in preventing death and disease. Last year primary health organisation WellSouth and the SDHB rolled out their primary and community care strategy, which will integrate GP services into a ''health care home'' model and take a team approach to treating patients. In the next stage, ''health care hubs'' will be created, centralising a range of health care services, including some now offered at hospitals, on one site.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 03, 2019 15:33 UTC