Pegasus should and will do more to engage with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities: Vince Barry, CEO

The message at Pegasus Health's Annual General Meeting held last week was loud and clear. Vince Barry, Chief Executive of the charitable organisation noted, “We should and will do more to engage with CALD communities. There is a role for us to generate awareness about various health issues among the communities.”

As regards to the advocacy work Pegasus undertakes, he added, “Advocacy work is under-way at a national level with our N4 colleagues - ProCare, Midlands and Compass. We are raising awareness of the funding challenges facing General Practice and the inequity of the current Very Low Cost Access (VLCA) model. The desired outcome of this campaign is to successfully influence Government to review the current funding model and to find a solution that ensures General Practice services are affordable and sustainable. Current indications show that this drive is gaining some traction, with the Ministry of Health now reviewing options for future funding support for General Practice.”

“In other news, I am pleased to advise that HealthOne, the shared health record developed by Pegasus Health with CDHB and Orion Health, has now been rolled out in the Canterbury, South Canterbury, West Coast and Southern districts. The final South Island DHB, Nelson/Marlborough, is timed to receive it for next April. We will then have the entire South Island on both the Electronic Referral Management System (ERMS) and HealthOne.'

“Also, I am delighted to report that Homecare Medical has had a very successful first year under the direction of Pegasus Health and ProCare.”

Barry also touched upon Pegasus' move into the new building at 401 Madras Street. “When buying the new building, it also made sense to house all Pegasus Health facilities under one roof, for ease of administration and to reduce costs. The Pegasus support services teams will move into the new building in October 2016, while the 24 Hour Surgery will shift in April/May 2017, when the building’s refurbishment is complete,” he informed.