"Putting The Bricks In place"; primary Health Care Services in Rural Southland Executive Summary To determine what the challenges are to rural primary health care, and nlake reconlmendations to enhance sustainable service provision. My objective is to qualify the future needs of Community Health Trusts. They must nleet the Ministry of Health directives regarding Primary Healthcare. These are as stated in the back to back contracts between PHOs and inclividual medical practices. I have compiled; from a representative group of rural patients, doctors and other professionals, facts, experiences, opinions and wish lists regarding primary medical services and its impact upon them, now and into the future. The information was collected by survey and interview and these are summarised within the report. During the completion of the report, I have attempted to illustrate the nature of historical delivery of primary healthcare in rural Southland. The present position and the barriers that are imposed on service provision and sustainability I have also highlighted some of the issues regarding expectations of medical service providers and their clients, re funding and manning levels The Goal; "A well educated (re health matters) and healthy population serviced by effective providers". As stated by the Chris Farrelly of the Manaia PHO we must ask ourselves "Am I really concerned by inequalities and injustice? We find that in order to achieve the PHO goals (passed down to the local level) we must have; Additional health practitioners Sustainable funding And sound strategies for future actions through a collaborative model. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PAGE 1 CONTACTS Mark Crawford Westridge 118 Aparima Road RD 1 Otautau 9653 Phone/ fax 032258755 e-mail
[email protected] Acknowledgements In compiling the research for this project I would like to thank all the members of the conlmunity, health professionals and committee members who have generously given their time and shared their knowledge.