PCHA Welcomes A Strong Endorsement From Health New Zealand Commissioner, Dr Lester Levy

Primary and Community Health Aotearoa (PCHA) are pleased
to receive such a strong endorsement from Dr. Lester Levy,
Health New Zealand Commissioner at a recent members meeting
on 27 March 2025.

Facilitated by PCHA chair Steve
Chadwick, Dr. Levy had the opportunity to speak to and
respond to questions from the members. He began by outlining
the commitment of the health system to improving primary and
community health care.

At the same time, he
acknowledged the value that the PCHA brings as a network of
primary and community health care providers and
specialists.

“It was great to hear that the health
system is committed to improving primary and community
health care access and we welcome this much needed focus,”
PCHA Chair Steve Chadwick said.

“It was also highly
positive for us to hear that Lester is committed to working
with organisations like ours, to strengthen the important
role that primary and community healthcare have to play in
the system.

Steve says that over the last 18 months,
the needs of primary and community healthcare has taken a
back seat to resourcing hospitals and secondary care – but
the reality is that if primary and community care is
properly resourced, the number of people requiring hospital
and secondary care services would decrease.

“Dr Levy
explained the intentions of the system are to enable
resources to be moved to where they are most needed and can
meet the needs of all New Zealanders – including the
devolution of decision making and resource allocation to
communities” Steve said.

“He also recognised that
the PCHA has both the depth and breadth of expertise,
knowledge and experience to provide strong guidance on how
to implement change and prevent unintended consequences, to
improve health outcomes for people and communities across
Aotearoa.”

“We are pleased with this outcome and
the recognition of the strength of our network. We look
forward to being a strong voice for our sector and
communities.”

Note:

Established in 2018,
Primary and Community Health Aotearoa is the go-to
membership body representing primary, community and consumer
health care interests, for the health, well-being, and
benefit of all New Zealanders. It is the unified voice of
Aotearoa’s leading primary and community health
providers.

The PCHA’s overall aim is to influence
the direction of the health system, so that the primary and
community health sector becomes the central function and
focus of New Zealand’s health system that is person
focused and advances health and wellbeing equity.

Our
member organisations encompass a wide range of health
professionals including community pharmacy, midwifery,
allied health, general practice, and NGO networks providing
essential primary and community-based services across New
Zealand”.

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