KOKIRI Trust and board of trustees celebrating the launch of the virtual GP service, supported by Dr Lance O'Sullivan (middle row, second from right). PHOTO SUPPLIED
TAUMARUNUI Community Kokiri Trust chief executive, Christine Brears has extended the trust’s GP services with the introduction of onsite virtual GP consultations.
Christine sees the consultations, which began earlier this month, as a major step forward in providing front line professional GP care, firstly, for the Taumarunui community, in the wake of GP shortages across the country and, secondly, for expanding future GP services.
She said she had already received some glowing reports from patients who had accessed the virtual service.
“This is the pathway forward,” Christine said.
“We all know that the health service nationwide is in crisis, and we have to think outside the square if we want to keep our community’s wellbeing safe.”
To this end, the trust engaged the professional services of out-of-town GPs who were willing to be involved.
Kokiri has been working closely with a renowned Māori GP, Dr Lance O’Sullivan, who is widely known for bringing health services to the most disadvantaged in isolated Far North communities.
Voted New Zealander of the Year in 2014, Lance has given his support to the Kokiri Trust’s virtual consultations project.
Christine said the consultations could take place in people’s homes or at the clinic. They could have a support person, or another health professional involved.
While some people may have reservations about the initiative, it aligned with how healthcare was now being delivered in many parts of our country, she said.
“For those families who have difficulty getting to see a GP because of the lack of transport, a virtual consultation has to be the answer.”
Christine pointed out there had always been difficulties; struggles of finding someone to take you to the doctor, sitting in a waiting room for more than an hour, finally sitting in front of the GP for 15 minutes, and all this following a three-or-four week waiting period to see a doctor.
She said the new service had to be a dream come true for many. Follow-ups with specialist referrals could also be arranged this way.
“This kind of consultation might never fully replace in-person appointments. However, the process could be appealing for patients who live in rural communities like ours, cutting down on waiting times and not having to sit in a waiting room.
“This kind of innovation empowers whānau to take more control in monitoring their own care,” she adds.
Christine confirmed that it was not the trust’s intention to move away from the hospital based medical centre:
“There was talk of that at one stage but at the moment that is definitely on hold.” But she said the trust was looking at establishing allied services to deliver primary healthcare in collaboration with its clinical care.
“While we already have a number of these services in place, there are others that we could do with, such as services for our stroke victims, regular podiatrists, optometrist and others.
“We all need to think outside the square and be willing to take advantage of all the technology that is on offer.”
“Kokiri Trust believes there are some exciting times ahead and there is room for everyone willing to take the community along with them.”
