The Health and Disability System Review said the inequitable access by rural communities to health care is unacceptable, Network chief executive Grant Davidson said.
Rural health in New Zealand is at breaking point.
“However, none of what is acknowledged in this report in relation to rural health is new and our concern is a lack of tangible, immediate and measurable action for rural communities in this report.
“It’s been known for too long now that rural health is in a state of crisis and more and more rural communities struggle to see a general practitioner within a reasonable period of time.
“We know for a fact that rural GPs are now retiring at an alarming rate, as are rural nurses.”
The report noted that while data is limited, indications are that people living in rural towns can have poorer health outcomes and lower life expectancy than those living in cities or surrounding rural areas.
Between 2018 and 2038 the rural population is predicted to increase by 110,000.
The review acknowledged a more deliberate approach is needed in planning rural services.
“Rural practitioners have different roles, often with broader scopes of practice compared to their urban counterparts.
“To acknowledge this the clinical services framework should have a separate section for rural facilities that would describe their specialist roles.
“This would provide an opportunity to develop a best-practice rural hospital model based on examples already in place in NZ and overseas.”
It would also address the major concern for rural communities of having to travel for short outpatient visits and treatments.
There are examples of rural health services adapting to provide models of care using different workforces and which reduce patient travel.
“However, there is also acknowledgement that more should be done to prioritise initiatives such as telemedicine and coordinated outpatient visits that would improve access for rural communities.”
As most health boards either own or contract facilities to provide local services in rural communitie the chance exists to address challenges faced by each rural community determined by local population characteristics and geography.
“The review recommends that Health NZ works alongside existing rural health groups to support nationwide collaboration to share local and international innovations in rural health care delivery.”
Health Minister David Clark says Cabinet accepts and is committed to reform of the health service.
“Decisions on individual recommendations will be taken to Cabinet over coming months and into the next term of Parliament.
“The Prime Minister will lead a group of ministers that will drive the changes.”
