66520 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

66520 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What actions, if any, have been taken in the quarter April to June 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 that during the April to June 2024 quarter, Health New Zealand worked on health target implementation plans, which include options such as expanding the use of virtual care. While virtual care will not be the right option in some circumstances, encouraging clinicians to use them 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 clinicians' time, and reduces unnecessary follow-up appointments. I am further advised that virtual care is used to good effect across a number of Health NZ districts and services, and follow-ups can also be provided by a range of health professions such as nurses working within clinical teams.