“After feedback from rangatahi to deliver wraparound services, including mental health and sexual health, the contract was refined with new providers appointed in 2022 following a contestable process,” she said.
“However, GP and community feedback following the refined contract was that continuity of care and valuable doctor-patient relationships would be lost by rangatahi who had already formed a trusted bond with their chosen practitioner, and may not wish to seek healthcare elsewhere.”
The contract in 2022 meant that free youth healthcare for those under 24 was only offered at five locations in Hawke’s Bay while funding for GP visits for those under 18 ended at many other locations.
“We have worked closely with our Health Hawke’s Bay partners since by looking at options aligned to the Te Pae Tata New Zealand Health Plan designed to reduce barriers to healthcare, no matter where people live,” Foster said.
“Earmarking under-utilised rangatahi funding means we are now able to expand the contract, as well as the age limit, by offering all general practices zero fee health consultations for their patients aged up to 24 years, including funded prescription co-payments, guaranteed for the next two years.”
She said Te Aka Whai Ora in Hawke’s Bay will remain overseeing the management of the 2022 contract with selected providers, while Te Whatu Ora in Hawke’s Bay will oversee the management of the new funding model being offered to all general practices.
