66547 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

66547 (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 ‘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 April to June 2024 quarter, Health New Zealand continued its review of trends, evidence, and insights, and to explore opportunities and considerations that will inform the future direction of telehealth services. I am further advised that Health New Zealand recognises telehealth as an important component of a range of options available to districts and regions to improve how they deliver care in a timely way. These include patient-directed follow-ups, nursing and allied health-led pathways, virtual care, and telehealth.