New Zealand Introduces 24/7 Telehealth Service to Combat Overcrowding in Emergency Departments
New Initiative to Expand Access to Primary Care
New Zealand Health Minister Simeon Brown has announced a new 24/7 telehealth service to expand access to primary care, amid concerns over the overcrowding of 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 Telehealth Service
The new service will enable GPs and nurses to issue prescriptions and make referrals for laboratory tests. According to Te Whatu Ora, the 24/7 telehealth service is set for launch in July.
The Larger Context
Minister Brown revealed the new digital healthcare service alongside the announcement of various initiatives to expand primary care access, including 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. The Health minister noted, "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."
Challenges and Controversies
The upcoming launch of the new telehealth service comes as New Zealand’s Health Quality and Safety Commission recently concluded that telehealth has not yet proven to be a sustainable solution to care access in the country. In its investigation into the quality and safety implications of telehealth, the commission found that the digital service never became popular in New Zealand in the first place, even during the pandemic. Prior to the release of the commission’s 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 new 24/7 telehealth service is a significant step towards addressing the issue of overcrowding in emergency departments and improving access to primary care in New Zealand. However, the service’s success will depend on various factors, including its popularity and sustainability.
FAQs
Q: When is the 24/7 telehealth service expected to launch?
A: The service is set to launch in July.
Q: What features will the new telehealth service offer?
A: The service will enable GPs and nurses to issue prescriptions and make referrals for laboratory tests.
Q: Why is the new telehealth service necessary?
A: The service is necessary to address the issue of overcrowding in emergency departments and improve access to primary care in New Zealand.
Q: What are the challenges facing the new telehealth service?
A: The service faces challenges in terms of popularity and sustainability, as well as concerns over its effectiveness in addressing the issues it aims to solve.
