Monday Pānui 31 August 2026

In today’s Pānui	It’s moving day for the Auckland PHO Office Funding for Cervical Sample-taker Training Bicillin – Limited Supplies Six-Week Immunisation Funding IMAC Course Funding Remembering Dr Lucien Gabriel
It’s moving day for the Auckland PHO Office	Today we move to our new office. The new address is: P.O. Box 85030, Mount Wellington, Auckland 1545 Street Address: Level 2, Building C, 602 Great South Road, Ellerslie, Auckland 1051 Phone number: remains the same (09 379 4022) Auckland PHO new address – map and directions
Funding for Cervical Sample-taker Training	Last week, we shared information about funding support for cervical sample-taker training. We are pleased to share some further good news. The Northern Region Workforce Hub, an initiative on behalf of the Northern Region PHOs, will also be providing funding to support Registered Nurses (RNs) to complete cervical sample-taker training. If an RN does not meet the Northern Region Workforce Hub eligibility criteria but does meet the Auckland PHO criteria, funding may still be available through Auckland PHO. If a RN does not fit the criteria below, but fits the Auckland PHO criteria, please email siobhan@aucklandpho.co.nz For further information or to discuss eligibility, please contact Siobhan at siobhan@aucklandpho.co.nz. Workforce Hub Cervical Sample-taker Training for RNs With the unexpected change in the funding for cervical sample-taking course, the Workforce Hub is paying the full course cost of cervical sample-taker training for about 100 general practice nurses in the northern region this year.  Applications are open now. Email kiaora@workforcehub.co.nz with your practice name, the nurse's name, and how many trained sample-takers you have at the moment. We will then help you with the process. Priority goes to: Rural practices Practices where one nurse is the only trained sample taker Practices serving populations where screening coverage is lowest Link to webpage is here: https://www.workforcehub.co.nz/cervical-sample-taker-training
Bicillin – Limited Supplies	Please note this important update from Health New Zealand Please find update linked below from the Chief Public Health Clinical Officer, National Public Health Service (NPHS) regarding a shortage of Bicillin L-A. Bicillin L-A stock remains tight and teams are asked to transition to Benzetacil to ensure there is enough Bicillin stock available for young children. There are limited Bicillin supplies for young children only – use Benzetacil for everyone over 13 years. Refer to communique for further key points.
Six-Week Immunisation Funding	In last week’s Pānui, we shared information regarding the end of the six-week immunisation funding, which has come as a surprise to many across the primary care sector. There remains some confusion regarding the communication about where the funding will sit following the end of the current arrangement. This is an important issue for practices, and we are seeking further clarification. The funding arrangements will be discussed at the next PSAAP meeting, and we will provide practices with an update once further information is available.
IMAC Course Funding	With the reintroduction of registration fees for IMAC education courses from 1 July 2026, Auckland PHO recognises the importance of IMAC education and support to general practices to ensure everyone can access training. We are therefore pleased to announce that Auckland PHO will provide funding for these courses. Further Information on how to claim will be provided this week. https://immune.org.nz/news/reintroduction-of-registration-fees-for-imac-education-courses-from-1-july-2026
Remembering Dr Lucien Gabriel	It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Dr Lucien Gabriel. Lucien was the practice owner of Gabriel Medical Practice on Richardson Road, Mt Roskill, where he practised medicine for more than 45 years before his retirement. He was well known for his kindness, wonderful sense of humour and unwavering support for his community. Lucien was also a strong supporter of Auckland PHO, having been a foundation practice member and peer group leader. He was a generous and encouraging presence within our PHO community and a true cheerleader for the work we do. Lucien will be greatly missed by his loving family, colleagues, friends and the many patients and members of the community whose lives he touched. Our sincere condolences are extended to his family and loved ones at this very sad time.

Barbara Stevens | Tumu Whakarae / CEO