44305 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

44305 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What actions, if any, have been taken in the quarter (January to March 2024) to implement the recommendation ‘Consider expansion of virtual advice as appropriate, as distinct from telehealth appointments’ as part of Te Whatu Ora Planned Care Taskforce Reset and Restore Plan?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised during the January to March 2024 quarter, Health New Zealand continues to encourage districts to include expanding this option as part of district and regional improvement plans to address FSA waitlists. While virtual care will not be the right option in some circumstances, encouraging clinicians to use virtual appointments for things such as reviewing test results and making a plan of care where the patient does not need to be present, makes the most of patients' and clinicians' time and reduces unnecessary follow-up appointments.