Welcome to the Department of Primary Health Care (Christchurch). Primary care is the context of most health service delivery and General Practitioners (GPs) deal with 90% of health problems. General Practice is also among the most complex of the medical specialities, and a vital part of the health system. While it might be assumed that countries with more expensive highly technological health services would have better health, a huge wealth of evidence shows that in fact it is the provision of the best possible primary care that is most important. The countries with the best primary care have better overall health and population longevity, and evidence shows that excellent primary care is the most effective way for clinical care to reduce inequities in healthcare access and population outcomes. Furthermore, the breadth and scope of the GP role and the ongoing relationship in supporting patients in the long term through their health journeys is a tremendously fulfilling career.
At our Department of Primary Health Care (Christchurch) we focus on teaching and learning in skills and practice supporting this vital part of the NZ health system. We support undergraduate and postgraduate learners in acquiring skills in the primary care and Emergency Medicine context. We focus on generalism, dealing with complexity and uncertainty as well as developing communication skills. We are also actively engaged in research locally and internationally, aimed at improving and innovating to improve both primary care delivery and education in primary care: Our mission is to strengthen primary care and generalist clinical care that supports New Zealanders to live the best life they can, on their terms.
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