Rural health care in New Zealand: the case of Coast to Coast Health Centre, Wellsford, an early Integrated Family Health Centre.

Introduction: Primary health care is critical, particularly in rural areas distant from secondary care services.

Aim: To describe the development of Coast to Coast Health Centre (CTCHC) at Wellsford, north of Auckland, New Zealand and reflect on its achievements and ongoing challenges.

Methods: Interviews were conducted with staff and management of CTCHC and with other health service providers. Surveys of staff and a sample of enrolled patients were undertaken. Numerical data on service utilisation were obtained from the practice and from national datasets.

Results: The CTCHC provides a wide range of services, including after-hours care, maternity and radiology, across a network of electronically connected sites, as well as interdisciplinary training for a range of health students. General practitioner (GP) recruitment is problematic and nursing roles have been expanded. Staff report positively on the work environment. Consultation rates are higher than in comparable practices, especially consultations with nurses. Rates of hospital admission are relatively low. The development of the CTCHC was assisted by formation of a local primary health organisation (PHO) and by recognition by the local district health board (DHB). Issues with poor coordination of local services, and less service provision than is characteristic in urban areas, remain. Contracting processes with the DHB were complex and time-consuming. The merging of the local PHO into a larger PHO within the Waitemata DHB catchment inhibited progression towards more complete locality planning.

Discussion: A dedicated and locally controlled provider was able to generate a more than usually complete community health service for Wellsford and area.