The first priority of Partnership Health Canterbury Te Kei o Te Waka is to provide general health care through family doctors and nurses. This type of care, known as ‘first level services’, is vital to health maintenance and disease prevention.

Some communities are less likely to take advantage of these first level services. The PHO communicates regularly with these communities and provides assistance such as flexible funding to make sure everyone is getting health care when they need it.

Partnership Health Canterbury also supports a healthy lifestyle to reduce preventable illness. The PHO assists individuals and communities to quit smoking and ensure proper nutrition and exercise.

Finally, a special programme called CarePlus provides extra assistance to some patients with multiple chronic or severe health problems.

Partnership Health Canterbury Te Kei o Te Waka also works to support the wellness of the entire community. PHOs receive special funding for people who have a hard time accessing advice and care from general practices and other community health care providers. This funding is used to offer flexible hours, home visits and increased financial support.

PHOs also develop or support projects to address specific health risks. One example is the PEGS programme: Preparation, Education, Giving Up, and Staying Smoke Free. PEGS is available to all of the family doctors in Partnership Health Canterbury. More than 2,680 people enrolled in the programme during the 07/08 year. Over the past year, 97 General Practices and 315 GPs have utilised the PEGS project.