PHO Advisory Group

The Primary Health Organisation (PHO) Advisory Group enables PHOs and the networks associated with them to work with C&C DHB in the planning and development of services and programmes to improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities in C&CDHB. Click here to see the group's terms of reference.

The Advisory Group assists by:

Providing advice to DHB management on matters relating to planning, co-ordination, leadership and advocacy in primary health care
Fostering collaboration across primary health care provider organisations and professional groups
Fostering collaboration between primary and secondary health care including further development of integrated care in Capital and Coast DHB.
Providing input from providers and communities involved within the PHOs and through relationships with other key stakeholders.

The PHOAG is an advisory group on strategic and policy issues. In respect of its work on DHB related matters, the Group has an advisory role to the DHB rather than any delegated authority.

The PHOAG is not intended or expected to involve itself in operational decisions of the DHB or the PHOs. In respect of its work on primary health sector collaboration, the Group would only have authority where this was specifically delegated by its PHO members.

PHOs are represented by 2-3 people, chosen by the PHO. Margot Mains, C&CDHB CEO chairs PHOAG and several District Health Board staff attend regularly, including GM Planning and Funding, Senior Portfolio Manager Primary Care, Director of Primary Care Nursing, Chief operating officer of HHS, Director Maori Health, GP Advisor to the DHB. Other staff attend depending on the topics being discussed.

Meetings are held every 2 months. Each meeting includes updates from each PHO, brief presentations about new programmes being planned, initiatives, issues and some common inssues are discussed in more depth. The PHOAG email group is also used to circulate planning documents to facilitate early input into Board papers and strategic developments from PHOs.

Contact - Senior Portfolio Manager, Primary Care.