58 | COMMUNITY Feilding Health Care A growing force in primary healthcare Training is a significant focus of Feilding Health Care. T T Kim Newth At the heart of Feilding Health Care’s mission is a commitment to ensuring continuity of care for its patients while fostering a locally owned, sustainable general practice (GP) model. Founded in 2016 by a group of local doctors, who merged four independent practices, the vision was to provide high-quality, integrated primary healthcare while ensuring the long-term viability of healthcare services in the Feilding region. By integrating a wide range of healthcare services – including GP services, a pharmacy, radiology, DHB and a range of community health services - Feilding Health Care has set itself apart as a leader in community-centred healthcare throughout Manawatu. Feilding Health Care’s growth strategy took off in 2019 when the Board recognised the success of the Feilding practice and saw the potential for further expansion. The locally owned, integrated care model had proved highly effective, prompting other small practices to join. These practices saw the benefit of the exit plan Feilding Health Care offered. By selling their practices to the Feilding Health Care Group, GPs could continue to practice but with reduced hours and without the burdens of managing a practice. A significant milestone in the business’ expansion came in 2022 when Feilding Health Care added an additional 900sqm to its main site. This expansion included a physiotherapy service and a community room where exercise classes and other community health initiatives are held. Iwi and Maori health services also began operating from the expanded site. That same year they opened a practice in Ashhurst, a town that had been without a GP for 15 years. This community-driven project, supported by Ashhurst Community Trust Chairman Richard Tankersley, now serves around 2,500 patients. The growth didn’t stop there, as Feilding Health Care expanded into Palmerston North by acquiring Group Medical Practice in 2023 and Awapuni Medical Centre in 2024. The six-strong Board overseeing the management and strategic direction of Feilding Health Care is composed of four GPs who are also shareholders, and two independent directors. The business has 12 shareholders that all work in the business. CEO Nicky Hart says that, contrary to popular belief, younger GPs are keen to invest in practice ownership, given the right management structure. By lifting the administrative burden off clinicians, Feilding Health Care provides a model that lets professionals focus on their passion: delivering high-quality clinical care. Training is another significant focus of Feilding Health Care. The business provides educational opportunities for both younger and older healthcare professionals, supporting early-career doctors to specialise as GPs, and training nurse practitioners and nurse prescribers. The company also offers a pathway for senior GPs who may want to reduce their workload or shift into teaching roles. By offering these flexible career options, Feilding Health Care ensures that experienced doctors can continue contributing to the practice without the pressures of full-time work. Feilding Health Care’s mission is to ensure continuity of care for patients while building a sustainable, long-term business model, integrating various health services under one roof to create a holistic, patient-centred healthcare experience. By expanding its reach and integrating other local services, Feilding Health Care has positioned itself as a hub of healthcare in Manawatu. We share business journeys. AllanMcNeill has over 50 years of experience partnering with businesses of all shapes and sizes. We congratulate Feilding Health Care on their success. For trusted advice that supports your business growth contact us today. info@allanmcneill.co.nz 06 356 4808 (Palmerston North) 06 323 6114 (Feilding) 06 928 6622 (Dannevirke) www.allanmcneill.co.nz
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