Practice Information

Independent Hawera
General Practitioner

The advent of PHOs (Primary Health Organisations) has changed the face of General Practice, but it's emphasis on "populations" over individuals (see "Population-based vs individual-based practice") and the imposition of management into the Doctor-Patient relationship has been unacceptable to this practice, and many others who simply left. We elected to remain an Independent Private service, which proved to be unprofitable (see "GP earns less than minimum wage"). Despite this, patients can expect care directed to their particular health needs with advice and management based on what the evidence shows is best for them, although not necessarily the cheapest nor the most politically correct. However, they must expect to pay for this service themselves, although there are some funding supports available.