The recent media focus on PHO transitions in the Bay of Plenty risks missing the deeper issue at stake. This is not a dispute between PHOs, but a structural shift that appears to be driven by large corporates seeking to reshape the system in ways that serve their business models, not necessarily patient care.
WBOP PHO Chief Executive Lindsey Webber says, “What concerns us isn’t just the speed and lack of planning in this transition, but the broader implications of this shift. When corporates push for direct contracts or negotiate PHO changes that might redirect funding from community programmes, we risk moving towards a two-tier health system. One that works better for shareholders than it does for whānau.”
She adds: “This isn’t about east versus west. It’s about ensuring health funding continues to support outreach nurses, mobile clinics, mental health support, immunisation outreach, and services tailored to people most in need. These programmes are what make the system fair and effective. Shifting everything to general practice may compromise that balance.”
The public deserves clarity on what’s being lost in these negotiations. As discussions continue behind closed doors, the people most affected, patients, are left in the dark. WBOP PHO is calling for a transparent, patient-first approach to these transition.
