The Whanganui District Health Board has identified in its 2007/08 District Annual Plan the need for an integrated nursing model.

The Integrated Nursing Development Project is a joint project between the Whanganui District Health Board and Whanganui Regional Primary Health Organisation (WRPHO) in collaboration with Te Oranganui Iwi Health Authority Primary Health Organisation (TOIHA PHO). The Integrated Nursing Development Project will assist in reducing health disparities through improved utilisation and development of the nursing workforce across the care continuum.

The underlying focus for the nursing framework is meeting population health needs. The themes of collaboration, co-ordination and seamless service to meet the health needs of the people of the Whanganui district are central to the functioning of the framework.

Currently nursing is provided independently in both the secondary care and primary health sector.  While there is some cross over there is a limited understanding of the issues and models of care delivery within each sector or potential opportunities for the future.

The aim of the project is to develop a common vision and principles based planning framework for workforce development, leadership and governance, and integrated work streams for the development of both urban and rural nursing across the district. The project will contribute to the various national and Whanganui District Health Board projects and strategies to improved health outcomes.