Latest news with #ProCare
Scoop
25-07-2025
- Health
- Scoop
ProCare Welcomes Announcement From Minister To Strengthen Primary Care Funding And Access
Leading healthcare provider, ProCare, has today welcomed the announcement from Health Minister Simeon Brown which outlines a number of initiatives aimed at improving access to primary care, particularly in rural and high-needs communities. The proposed update to the capitation funding model—set to take effect from 1 July 2026—is particularly encouraging. Bindi Norwell, Chief Executive at ProCare says: 'The current model has been long overdue for reform. By factoring in multimorbidity, rurality, and socioeconomic deprivation, the new approach promises to better reflect the realities faced by general practices and the whānau and communities they serve. 'This is a positive step forward for the health system and for patients across Aotearoa, and we're pleased to see the Government recognising the critical role primary care plays in delivering timely, equitable, and community-based healthcare,' continues Norwell. 'Additionally, the Minister stated that some practices would not see a benefit from re-weighting capitation, and whilst this might be so, we will be advocating hard to make sure additional money is invested in the new formula to avoid any practices going backwards through this change. It would be a shame to lose ground after such a successful PSAAP round only a month ago'. ProCare also supports the introduction of a new national health target to ensure more than 80 percent of people can access a GP within one week. 'As we've said time and time again, primary care is the fence at the top of the cliff, rather than the ambulance at the bottom. Timely access to care is essential for preventing more serious health issues and reducing pressure on hospitals. We look forward to working with the Government to help shape this target in a way that is both ambitious and achievable, and that works for both patients and practices,' says Norwell. 'We also remain committed to recognising and mitigating unintended consequences of targets on the health system. We are well aware of issues when similar targets have been introduced in hospitals in NZ, and overseas in general practice, and will work on our members' behalf to mitigate these'. The additional investment in general practice training is another welcome move. 'Funding the full pathway for GPEP trainees is an absolute game-changer. We know how difficult financially it is for GPEPs, and anything that can be done to ease the financial burden and cover costs will be welcomed by those trainees. 'The funding for GPEPs also sends a strong signal that general practice is a valued and a vital specialty, and it will help build a stronger pipeline of GPs for the future,' points out Norwell. However, ProCare cautions that implementation will be key. 'As always, the devil is in the detail. We'll be watching closely to ensure these changes are rolled out in a way that genuinely supports practices and improves outcomes for patients. We also look forward to continuing to work with the Government and sector partners to ensure these reforms deliver meaningful improvements for primary care providers and the communities they serve,' concludes Norwell. About ProCare ProCare is a leading healthcare provider that aims to deliver the most progressive, pro-active and equitable health and wellbeing services in Aotearoa. We do this through our clinical support services, mental health and wellness services, virtual/tele health, mobile health, smoking cessation and by taking a population health and equity approach to our mahi. As New Zealand's largest Primary Health Organisation, we represent a network of general practice teams and healthcare professionals who provide care to more than 830,000 people across Auckland and Northland. These practices serve the largest Pacific and South Asian populations enrolled in general practice and the largest Māori population in Tāmaki Makaurau. For more information go to
Scoop
21-07-2025
- Health
- Scoop
ProCare Welcomes Announcement Of New Waikato Medical School As A Commitment To Strengthening Primary Care Workforce
Leading healthcare provider, ProCare, warmly welcomes the announcement from Health Minister Simeon Brown and Universities Minister Dr Shane Reti that Cabinet has approved the establishment of a new medical school at the University of Waikato. While the school won't open until 2028, the announcement includes a strong focus on primary care and rural health which is much needed. Bindi Norwell, Chief Executive of ProCare says: 'With around 50% of GPs due to retire in the next 10 years this is a significant and timely investment in New Zealand's healthcare workforce. The decision to prioritise primary care and rural health in the new Waikato Medical School aligns closely with the needs of our communities and the future of general practice. 'This is more than 'just' a new medical school – it's a long-term investment in the health and wellbeing of the people of Aotearoa New Zealand. We commend the Government for listening to the sector and taking decisive action,' continues Norwell. The graduate-entry programme will add 120 new doctor training places annually, helping to address the growing shortage of GPs and primary care clinicians across the motu. 'General practices are already feeling the strain of being able to meet increasing patient demand – especially in our rural and underserved communities. This announcement is a proactive step toward ensuring continuity of care and equitable access to health services,' says Norwell. 'This is a pivotal moment which will help reshape the pipeline of medical education. By creating more flexible pathways into medicine and embedding primary care at the heart of training, we can attract a more diverse and community-focused cohort of future doctors,' Norwell adds. The announcement also complements recent expansions in nursing, pharmacy, and midwifery programmes at the University of Waikato, reinforcing a holistic approach to workforce development. 'It is unclear at this early stage exactly how the four-year degree programme will focus specifically on primary care, but we look forward to working collaboratively with the University and the Government to help support clinical placements of those graduates and ensure that students gain meaningful experience in general practice settings,' concludes Norwell. About ProCare ProCare is a leading healthcare provider that aims to deliver the most progressive, pro-active and equitable health and wellbeing services in Aotearoa. We do this through our clinical support services, mental health and wellness services, virtual/tele health, mobile health, smoking cessation and by taking a population health and equity approach to our mahi. As New Zealand's largest Primary Health Organisation, we represent a network of general practice teams and healthcare professionals who provide care to more than 830,000 people across Auckland and Northland. These practices serve the largest Pacific and South Asian populations enrolled in general practice and the largest Māori population in Tāmaki Makaurau. For more information go to
Scoop
17-07-2025
- Health
- Scoop
ProCare Welcomes Fast-Tracked Registration For Overseas Doctors
ProCare welcomes the Medical Council's decision to recognise overseas-trained doctors from Chile, Croatia, and Luxembourg as part of the 'Comparable Health System pathway'. Alongside the fast-track registration for GPs from the USA, Canada, and Singapore, this will deliver a much-needed boost to general practices across Aotearoa who are facing a significant GP shortage. The decision means ProCare will be better placed to support its primary care network to recruit offshore GPs; further helping to ease workforce pressure and improve access to care for communities. Bindi Norwell, Chief Executive at ProCare, says the organisation is ready to support practices to take full advantage of the change. 'We know our practices are under pressure and this change gives us a practical way to bring in skilled clinicians faster,' says Norwell. Under the changes, GPs from the United States, Canada and Singapore will have their registration applications processed within two months, while specialists from countries such as the UK, Ireland and Australia will benefit from a fast-tracked 20-day assessment process. Japan and South Korea were added to the list in February 2025. 'At ProCare, we are deeply committed to investing in the primary care workforce. We've long advocated for practical solutions that support our network and improve health outcomes for our communities. This announcement aligns with that vision.' Earlier this month, ProCare became an Immigration NZ Accredited Employer, allowing it to directly support practices with international recruitment and immigration processes. 'We're actively investing in solutions for primary care that make a difference,' says Norwell. 'Our investment includes tailored support for general practice teams, leadership development, and tools to improve retention and resilience. We're committed to building a strong, sustainable workforce that delivers better health outcomes for all New Zealanders.' ProCare will continue working closely with its network and partners to ensure overseas-trained doctors are welcomed, supported, and integrated into the communities where they're needed most. About ProCare ProCare is a leading healthcare provider that aims to deliver the most progressive, pro-active and equitable health and wellbeing services in Aotearoa. We do this through our clinical support services, mental health and wellness services, virtual/tele health, mobile health, smoking cessation and by taking a population health and equity approach to our mahi. As New Zealand's largest Primary Health Organisation, we represent a network of general practice teams and healthcare professionals who provide care to more than 830,000 people across Auckland and Northland. These practices serve the largest Pacific and South Asian populations enrolled in general practice and the largest Māori population in Tāmaki Makaurau.
Scoop
11-07-2025
- Health
- Scoop
ProCare Welcomes Pharmac's Move To Improve Access To Asthma Inhalers And Long-Acting Contraceptives
ProCare welcomes Pharmac's announcement to improve access to some asthma inhalers and long-acting contraceptives from 1 August. The changes represent a significant step forward in supporting equitable, patient-centred primary care across Aotearoa. The changes will impact funded treatments, including: combination inhalers branded as Symbicort Turbuhaler, DuoResp Spiromax, and Vannair long-acting contraceptives branded as Mirena, Jaydess, and Jadelle. From next month, patients will be able to receive a three-month supply of the inhalers at once, and these, along with the long-acting contraceptives will be stocked in general practices for the first time. This change will reduce the need for people to visit their pharmacy to pick up their prescription and mean people can learn how to use their inhalers and collect them at the same time, rather than returning for a follow-up. Bindi Norwell, Chief Executive at ProCare sees the decision as a win for increasing accessibility to treatment and for efficiency of work in primary care. 'Reducing barriers to get timely access to treatment, especially for people managing chronic conditions like asthma means our health care professionals can help them get better health outcomes sooner. 'However, we do want to sound a warning to members of the public around the IUD insertions. As per Medical Council requirements, GPs are required to ensure that patients are informed and have time to ask questions before giving their consent to any procedure. Patients may need to book a double or triple appointment depending on the treatment chosen. Mihi Blair, Kaiwhakahaere Hauora Māori (General Manager - Māori Health and Equity) at ProCare believes these changes will mean the support provided to patients can be done more equitably. 'For Māori, Pacific peoples, and those living in rural areas, easier access to essential treatments can make a real difference to their health. It's encouraging to see Pharmac responding to the needs of our communities.' ProCare supports aligning medicine access with clinical guidelines and responding to how we can improve patient experience. The changes will help streamline care delivery, reduce administrative burden, and empower clinicians to provide timely, effective treatment. 'We look forward to working with our practices to implement these changes smoothly and ensure patients are informed and supported,' says Norwell.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Should You Retain Invitation Homes Stock in Your Portfolio Now?
Invitation Homes Inc. INVH is poised for growth with a diverse portfolio in infill locations in high-growth markets, an asset-light model, technological moves, process enhancements and a healthy balance sheet. However, the elevated supply of rental units in some of Invitation Homes' markets and the high debt burden are its concerns. Last month, INVH reported first-quarter 2025 core funds from operations (FFO) per share of 48 cents, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 47 cents. The reported figure compared favorably with the prior-year quarter's 47 cents. Results reflected higher same-store NOI, with increased same-store blended rent, though lower same-store average occupancy partly marred the upside. Invitation Homes is poised to benefit from a high-quality portfolio of single-family rental units in infill locations in the Western United States, Sunbelt and Florida. Solid demand for such rental units in the high-growth markets with favorable demographic trends is likely to benefit the company in the upcoming quarters. INVH operates on an asset-light model by building relationships for built-to-rent units with top homebuilders like D.R. Horton, Lennar, Pulte, Meritage and many others who develop homes and deliver them to the company. It aims to drive profitability through a value-added platform and minimal capital investments. Invitation Homes is leveraging technological initiatives and process enhancements through the ProCare application for enhanced customer experience and margin expansion. Such efforts are likely to capture additional NOI, driving long-term profitability. Per the company's March Investor Presentation, this residential REIT estimates around $80 million in value-added revenues for 2025. Invitation Homes continues to focus on its strategic priorities, such as disciplined capital distribution and maintaining an investment-grade balance sheet. As of March 31, 2025, the company had $1.36 billion of liquidity through a combination of unrestricted cash and undrawn capacity on its revolving credit facility. The company's Net debt/TTM adjusted EBITDAre was 5.3X, and it has no debt maturing before 2027. A healthy balance sheet position enables it to procure debt financing at a favorable rate. Solid dividend payouts are arguably the biggest enticement for REIT investors, and INVH remains committed to that. The company has increased its dividend five times in the last five years, and the five-year annualized dividend growth rate is 17.59%, which is encouraging. Given Invitation Homes' operating platform and solid financial position, its dividend seems sustainable and well-covered by cash flow from operations. The struggle to lure renters is likely to persist as the volume of new deliveries remains elevated in several markets where Invitation Homes operates. Particularly in markets like Texas, Florida and Phoenix and a few others with easier barriers to entry, the company is witnessing supply pressures, resulting in lower rental rates. Despite the Federal Reserve announcing rate cuts late in 2024, the interest rate is still high and is a concern for Invitation Homes. Elevated rates imply high borrowing costs for the company, affecting its ability to purchase or develop real estate. The company has a substantial debt burden, and its total debt as of March 31, 2025 was $8.18 billion. Over the past three months, shares of this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company have fallen 2.8%, narrower than the industry's decline of 10%. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Some better-ranked stocks from the broader REIT sector are VICI Properties VICI and W.P. Carey WPC, each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for VICI Properties' 2025 FFO per share has been raised marginally over the past month to $2.34. The consensus estimate for W.P. Carey's current-year FFO per share has moved northward by 1% in the past month to $4.88. Note: Anything related to earnings presented in this write-up represents FFO, a widely used metric to gauge the performance of REITs. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report W.P. Carey Inc. (WPC) : Free Stock Analysis Report Invitation Home (INVH) : Free Stock Analysis Report VICI Properties Inc. (VICI) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
