This update, in addition to some general comments, informs primary health care nurses about two important documents that have been released over recent months, both of which provide useful information for strategic planning at both regional and national levels.
As PHO's become more firmly embedded within communities across the country, it becomes increasingly important that the nursing perspective is clearly articulated, and that nurses are supported to work effectively in this new environment. Not only is strong leadership essential, but nurses working in a range of settings have an opportunity to access funding that will enhance collaboration and integration of services.
A range of exciting projects have been supported through the primary health care nursing innovations funding, and as these proposals become a reality, it is important that outcomes (and challenges) are shared nationally.
A significant source of funding to PHO's is the SIA (services to improve access) funding, and nursing groups have a real opportunity to access this funding. Once again, it will be important to share new initiatives nationally - we are too small a nation to be constantly re-inventing the wheel within each DHB.
Two documents that have recently been released that have particular interest for primary health care nurses include:

The survey was published in May 2003, and the 'Investing in Health' document was published in March 2003 - both are available electronically on the Ministry of Health website, www.moh.govt.nz.The survey was undertaken to ascertain the current situation for primary health care nurses and to identify obstacles to their contributing fully to new policies and strategies in New Zealand.
While the issues and barriers identified will come as no surprise to most nursing groups, the value of this report lies in its collation of baseline data that can be used for future planning. Some if the issues identified included aspects such as role fragmentation, the aging workforce, difficulties accessing educational opportunities, lack of clinical career pathways and formal leadership roles, recruitment and retention, particularly in regard to Maori and Pacific nurses, geographic distribution, and issues around communication and collaboration.
The 'Investing in Health' document provides advice and recommendations to the Ministry of Health, District health Boards and PHO's on a framework for primary health care nursing in New Zealand that is in line with government strategy. As noted in the executive summary , this report "explores the concept of the primary health care nurse and the ways in which primary health care nursing can maximise its unique contribution to the health outcomes of individuals, families, whanau, and population groups, and to reducing inequalities for these groups" (page vii). A vision, goals and objectives were established to guide the development of the framework. The five goals which are discussed in some depth in the body of the report include:

* to align nursing practice with community needs
* to develop innovative models of nursing practice, and to
* achieve governance, leadership, and education and career development for primary health care nurses.

This document is an important resource for primary health care nurses, with the challenge being how to turn some of the sound rhetoric contained within it into reality. Ministry support through the primary nursing scholarships, innovations funding proposals and Nurse Practitioner development has been essential, and it is important that growth and development continues unabated at a number of different levels.The primary health care nursing network can help ensure that primary health care nursing in this country continues to strengthen and grow - if this occurs, it is the communities that primary health care nurses work in and with, that will surely benefit.