44331 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

44331 (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 ‘Continue to develop telehealth. Such development should include whether telehealth capability can be provided in a community setting to assist those without digital access’ as part of Te Whatu Ora Planned Care Taskforce Reset and Restore Plan?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised that during the January to March 2024 quarter, Health NZ continued to fund delivery of non-digital options through the National Telehealth Service. All its services are free to the public throughout New Zealand, 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Non-digital options provided by the Service include Healthline (0800 611 116), Quitline – Me Mutu (0800 778 778) and 1737 Need to Talk? (Free call 1737). I am further advised that in the quarter there were several initiatives underway to develop telehealth skills among healthcare workers, including the launch of a revised Telehealth e-Learning module; launch of a clinical triage toolkit, and integration of Telehealth Patient Feedback on the national survey platform through Health Quality and Safety Commission. In addition, Ka Ora Telecare operate a rural clinical telehealth service. Given the potential limitations of digital connectivity in some rural communities, a landline phone can be used to access the service (0800 252 672).