South Taranaki Rural Health

COMPLETE

Rural medical training and education

Key facility for development and training of the South Taranaki rural workforce.

Pivotal to growing and retaining a South Taranaki workforce fit for the region’s future.  

24/7 phone access to South Taranaki GP services

Facilitated after-hours by Homecare Medical.

Run by registered healthcare professionals who provide health advice over the phone and/or refer patients to the most appropriate service for their specific health needs (including emergency services).

St John ‘see and treat’ service

An additional paramedic service that provides assessment and treatment for minor illnesses and injuries at the patient’s location, e.g. wound care, ear nose and throat examinations, etc.

IN PROGRESS

Extended-hours walk-in and booked appointment clinic, providing additional capacity for stretched primary care services.

WALK IN:
Staffed by nurses, senior rural doctors who will see any patients with healthcare needs appropriate for primary care.

BOOKED APPOINTMENTS:
Staffed by senior rural doctors, practice nurses/nurse practitioners.

Broad range of health services including diagnosis and treatment; health education; counselling; disease prevention and screening.

Will take patient enrolments.

Recruitment to the Extended Care team (some roles still to be filled)

A range of health professionals (e.g. social worker, clinical pharmacist or dietitian) who support patients and coordinate services in the region to better manage patients’ health needs.

Will support all patients regardless of the practice they are enrolled in.

PLANNED

Plans for additional services are currently being investigated. Further details about these plans will be provided once they are available.