New Zealand Introduces 24/7 Telehealth Service to Ease Overcrowding in Emergency Departments
New Service Details
New Zealand Health Minister Simeon Brown has announced a new 24/7 telehealth service to expand access to primary care, addressing the issue of overcrowding in emergency departments. The government will invest in the new service, which is expected to provide all New Zealanders with better access to video consultations with New Zealand-registered clinicians, such as GPs and nurse practitioners.
Features of the New Service
The 24/7 telehealth service will enable GPs and nurses to issue prescriptions and make referrals for laboratory tests. This will provide more flexibility and convenience for patients, reducing the need to visit emergency departments for non-emergency cases.
Launch Date and Funding
The new telehealth service is set for launch in July, with a NZ$285 million ($163 million) investment in general practice over three years, placement of overseas doctors, and incentives for primary care providers to recruit nurses.
Context and Challenges
Minister Brown highlighted the need for improved primary care access, stating, "We are already investing record funding into healthcare, but many New Zealanders are still finding it too hard to get an appointment with their GP, which is putting pressure on our emergency departments."
Contrasting Views on Telehealth
The new telehealth service comes as the Health Quality and Safety Commission recently concluded that telehealth has not yet proven to be a sustainable solution to care access in New Zealand. The commission’s investigation found that telehealth never became popular in New Zealand, even during the pandemic. Prior to the release of the report, the government had pulled funding for some free telehealth services, including COVID-19, as part of changes to the pandemic response and cost-cutting measures.
Conclusion
The introduction of the 24/7 telehealth service is a step towards addressing the issue of overcrowding in emergency departments and improving primary care access in New Zealand. While there are challenges and concerns surrounding the effectiveness of telehealth, the new service aims to provide better access to healthcare for all New Zealanders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the 24/7 telehealth service?
A: The service aims to expand access to primary care, addressing the issue of overcrowding in emergency departments.
Q: What features will the new service offer?
A: The service will provide video consultations with New Zealand-registered clinicians, prescription issuance, and laboratory test referrals.
Q: When is the new service set to launch?
A: The service is set to launch in July.
Q: What is the investment in general practice over three years?
A: The government will invest NZ$285 million ($163 million) in general practice over three years.
