Southlanders are among those benefitting from the Government’s new 24/7 digital health service.

Since it was launched in July, more than 21,000 consultations have already been delivered across the country, with almost 20 percent of them in the South Island.

This new digital health service gives local people faster access to care when they can’t see their usual GP, with online consultations with registered healthcare professionals available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Most people have used the service when a timely GP appointment hasn’t been available (72 percent), while another 12 percent of bookings were because a telehealth appointment was more convenient.

One Southlander, who lives in a rural area and was ill with influenza, told me that she found it very helpful to be able to talk to a doctor, without having to leave home or drive several kilometres.

Another young man said he didn’t want to take time off work to see a GP, and he was pleased to be able to use the telehealth service during his lunch hour.

This shows that the service is making a real difference in the South, for those who might otherwise face long waits, or travel long distances to see a doctor.

It’s convenient and its effective – and it’s also hopefully freeing up GP space for those who really need it.

Working-age adults and parents are the biggest users, according to Health New Zealand, with strong uptake among 20 to 39 year-olds and children under 10.

Our Government has committed $164.6 million over five years for new telehealth services and I believe it is money well spent because we are committed to ensuring every New Zealander can access timely, quality healthcare.

Digital health solutions are a key part of this and it’s great to see them working well in the South.

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