First level services are essential Primary Health Care Services, which aim to improve, maintain and restore health and ensure access to care.

These services are provided for individuals across their life span, for families, whanau and communities taking a broad view of health, including physical, mental, cultural, social and spiritual dimensions.

In most cases general practice is the first point of contact for people accessing the health system. This creates a crucial role in initial diagnosis, management and potential referral of patients. Alongside this role a substantial part of general practice is about providing reassurance to those people who need no further treatment. 

What is Partnership Health Canterbury’s role in the delivery of first level services?

Partnership Health Canterbury provides the funding to subsidise the delivery of first level services to general practice.

General practice services play a major role in the delivery of primary health services. The combination of general practitioners, practice nurses and other health professionals is central to the management of acute and chronic health problems, and for health promotion and the prevention of disease/health problems in the population.

The increasing incidence of chronic illness has been driving a shift in health services towards a greater focus on primary care delivered by teams of health professionals, including doctors and nurses, that brings different skills and perspectives to the care of the person.

These services need to be co-ordinated to reduce health inequalities.  Partnership Health Canterbury strives to help this co-ordination.