An integrated telehealth advice service will work to enhance rural health care in New Zealand, linking pharmacists, nurses and GPs to people right across the country.

Tele-triage organisation Homecare Medical was recently announced as the preferred provider for New Zealand’s free 24/7 telehealth service, which is set to go live on November 1 this year.

Homecare Medical chairman Dr Martin Seers said the company will work to deliver a service that’s accessible through a range of channels from phone, websites, email, text messages and chat with plans to also add video calling and mobile applications in the future.

“People expect to get help and advice through a variety of channels, they expect to be able to talk to a real person and they expect a joined up system that knows them,” he said.

“This will be a service where every door is the right door, where users’ needs are met directly or by linking them to the appropriate service - their GP, nurse, pharmacist, a midwife, paramedics, a counsellor or therapist.”

Dr Seers said the benefits will range from improved care outcomes for New Zealanders to a reduction in acute and unplanned care, which will ease the pressure on ambulance services and emergency departments, more self-management, and care delivered close to home from trained staff.

Homecare Medical, a partnership between primary health networks Pegasus Health and ProCare, already provides around-the-clock tele-triage services to around 600 practices throughout New Zealand covering 2.2 million people, providing nurse-based tele-consults, care coordination, telephone-based screening and general practice support.

The national telehealth service will integrate Healthline, Poisonline, Quitline, Gambling Helpline, Alcohol and Drug Helpline, the National Depression Initiative and immunisation advice for the public. Emergency 111 calls and PlunketLine will be not be affected.

Health Minister Dr Jonathan Coleman said the move will streamline the current system of multiple telehealth services.

“In 2011, we committed to roll out a comprehensive telehealth advice service with access to nurses, GPs and pharmacists,” he said.

“The new national service will be more seamless and ensure people access the right advice, at the right time, no matter where they live.”

Final contract negotiations are now underway.