Rapid roll-out for rural telehealth services to ease pressures on rural practices

Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand (HNZ) plans to fund bespoke rural telehealth services (RTHS) in a rapid roll-out designed to alleviate pressures on rural general practices and enhance rural community access to primary care services.

The project will be overseen by a national steering group that includes HNZ, the Maori Health Authority (MHA) and the newly established Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network and will provide a number of services, including telehealth locum GPs along with in-clinic, after hours, at home and urgent care services.