Leading healthcare provider, ProCare, has welcomed Te Whatu Ora | Health New Zealand’s decision to extend funding for the Comprehensive Primary Care Teams (CPCT) programme until 30 June 2026.
The extension will see continued funding for four core clinical roles – Clinical Care Coordinators, Pharmacists, Physiotherapists, and Paramedics – through regional underspend and, if necessary, additional funding.
Bindi Norwell, Chief Executive at ProCare says: “We are incredibly pleased to see the extension of these roles confirmed. ProCare has been advocating for the continuation of this important initiative for some time, and this announcement is a testament to the value these roles bring to our practices and communities.”
“In the last 12 months, CPCT team members across ProCare practices have undertaken more than 35,000 patient consultations. This is no mean feat, and we know the support has been greatly appreciated by our practices,” she continues.
“These roles are critical in delivering integrated, patient-centred care and improving health outcomes across the region. This funding will ensure that the highly skilled professionals already embedded in our practices can continue their vital work without disruption. It also provides much-needed certainty for our teams and the practices and communities they serve,” continues Norwell.
While the extension is limited to the 2025/26 financial year, ProCare acknowledges Health New Zealand’s intention to transition to outcomes-based funding from mid-2026.
“We look forward to working collaboratively with Health New Zealand and our healthcare partners to shape the future of primary care funding. Our focus remains on improving access and ensuring sustainable, high-quality care that meets the needs of our diverse population,” points out Norwell.
ProCare also appreciates the continued support for IT reporting and programme evaluation, which are essential for measuring the impact and success of the CPCT model.
“We remain committed to advocating for innovative, team-based care models that deliver better health outcomes for all New Zealanders,” concludes Norwell.