A nationwide study examining the primary care experiences of Māori in the 12 months following release from prison found that services are not meeting their high health needs. Between 1 June 2021 and 31 May 2022, 7398 Māori were released from New Zealand prisons, of whom more than 50% experienced reimprisonment within 12 months. While 76% were enrolled with a primary health organisation, 24% did not have access to subsidised primary care. During the observation period, 47% had accessed primary care consults, 63% had received medication, and 23% had undergone a community laboratory test. In addition, 26% presented to an emergency department and 5% were admitted for ambulatory sensitive hospitalisations. There is an urgent need for culturally safe strategies that guarantee equitable access to high-quality primary care for Māori released from prison, the study authors concluded.
