Network updates

Previously called Pin Points

In this section we share clinical and practice operations updates from Pinnacle and the wider health sector. Use the search box and filters to help find what you’re looking for.

Have an update you’d like to share? Email us.

Possible diacetyl exposure from recalled vaping product

An alert has been issued to all EDs after 300 cartridges of Suntree Vanilla Cream vape solution were sold nationwide, containing four times the recommended limit of diacetyl — a substance linked to bronchiolitis obliterans. The risk to consumers is expected to be low due to limited exposure. If a patient presents with respiratory symptoms after using this product, please carry out a routine respiratory assessment and provide usual care as needed.

Read more

Recording vaping status

Although vaping is not smoking, it is a health risk and should be recorded in clinical records. Recording vaping is additional to recording smoking status. Patients who have stopped smoking and are currently vaping exclusively can be coded as ex-smoking. Recording a person as ex-vaping has value, especially if the person is using vaping to quit smoking and will then quit vaping. The following SNOMED CT codes and Read codes should be used to record vaping status.

Read more

Free community breastfeeding support

World Breastfeeding Week (1–7 August) is a chance to celebrate and uplift breastfeeding as an important part of giving pēpi (babies) the best start in life. The Taranaki Whangai Ū (breastfeeding) group want to shine a light on the free, community-based lactation support services available to whānau. These services are easy to access — whānau can self-refer using the contact details on the sticker on the front of their pēpi Well Child book. General practice teams can also help by referring directly using the referral form attached, which can be sent to any of the providers.

Read more

Expression of Interest: New Graduate Nurse Employment for 2026

We’re now inviting expressions of interest from practices keen to welcome a new graduate nurse to their team in 2026. With the Te Whatu Ora ACE recruitment process opening on 6 August 2025 (closing date TBC), this is your chance to indicate your interest early. We’ll work alongside your regional Te Whatu Ora Nurse Entry to Practice (NETP) coordinator to support the recruitment process and help ensure a smooth pathway into practice.

Read more

Pathlab: Delay in infectious serology testing

Pathlab has had an equipment failure, compounded by a delayed replacement device delivery, impacting the following tests: Anti-TPO antibodies, CMV serology, EBV serology, Hepatitis B serology, Hepatitis A serology, Hepatitis C antibody, HIV serology, Rubella IgG, Syphilis screen and Toxoplasma serology. Please keep sending in the tests but expect an additional 1-2 weeks delay in reporting.

Read more

Regional Diabetes Service: Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease program

The Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease program aims to slow progression of CKD leading to end-stage renal disease and other diabetes related complications. The aims are achieved by partnering with the patient/whanau, sharing matauranga/knowledge, improving self-management skills and strategies, and enabling appropriate treatment intensification. For people living with suboptimal diabetes (Hbalc greater than 53 mmol/mol) and CKD 3B or earlier (eGFR 30 ml/min and above), please see the referral criteria and pathway for guidance.

Read more