Waitaha Canterbury expertise recognised internationally

The Canterbury Primary Response Group (CPRG) recently shared its emergency preparedness experience with health leaders in the United States. 

CPRG representatives Deborah Callahan and Hanna Sorby, together with Emergency Department physician Professor Mike Ardagh, were invited to brief the Utah Disaster Advisory Council by John Gibbons, Regional Emergency Coordinator with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 

The Council, which includes members of the Utah Hospital Association and federal emergency managers, is preparing for the possible rupture of the Wasatch Fault — a major fault line running through Utah and neighbouring states. 

The invitation recognised CPRG’s role in coordinating primary care during the Canterbury earthquakes. Mike outlined the hospital and ED response, while Deborah and Hanna described how general practice teams maintained care for the community under extreme pressure. 

Their presentation reinforced an important lesson: in any major event, people will seek help wherever they can, and access to primary care is critical. After the earthquakes, 77 percent of Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) injury claims were managed in general practice, compared with 16 percent in urgent care and 7 percent in emergency departments. 

The Utah officials said they valued CPRG’s practical insight and are looking to apply Canterbury’s experience to their own emergency planning. 

This recognition highlights the ongoing value of CPRG’s work for general practice across Waitaha. The group’s expertise, grounded in real-world experience and collaboration with practices, continues to strengthen the region’s readiness and ability to keep communities connected to care when it matters most.