The Nurses Society of New Zealand says the recent policy announcement by the Labour Party of no- or low interest loans for nurse practitioners (NP) and GPs to establish new primary care practices or purchase existing practices is an excellent idea.
The loans of up to $500,000 would not be available to corporates; they would only be available to owner operators or community organisations. Up to 50 loans would be available annually.
The loans will need to be repaid in 10 years. They will be interest free for the first two years, then low interest.
Nurses Society director David Wills says it is a clear policy win for primary care practitioners as well as patients.
"It will help improve access and availability of primary care," says Wills.
Plus, the policy is a welcome counter to the worrying growth of corporate practices. While primary care is principally funded by Government through Te Whatu Ora, delivery of care is being taken over by corporates.
The Nurses Society believes the scheme should be attractive to many NPs and GPs wanting to be owner operators. Moreover, it may reduce the number of practices being acquired by corporates.
It also follows the equally welcome Labour Party policy of three free annual primary care consultations for everyone.
The Nurses Society of New Zealand says the recent policy announcement by the Labour Party of no- or low interest loans for nurse practitioners (NP) and GPs to establish new primary care practices or purchase existing practices is an excellent idea.
The loans of up to $500,000 would not be available to corporates; they would only be available to owner operators or community organisations. Up to 50 loans would be available annually.
The loans will need to be repaid in 10 years. They will be interest free for the first two years, then low interest.
Nurses Society director David Wills says it is a clear policy win for primary care practitioners as well as patients.
"It will help improve access and availability of primary care," says Wills.
Plus, the policy is a welcome counter to the worrying growth of corporate practices. While primary care is principally funded by Government through Te Whatu Ora, delivery of care is being taken over by corporates.
The Nurses Society believes the scheme should be attractive to many NPs and GPs wanting to be owner operators. Moreover, it may reduce the number of practices being acquired by corporates.
It also follows the equally welcome Labour Party policy of three free annual primary care consultations for everyone.