Diabetes sufferers are using technology to access care at their own convenience with the launch of a new clinic service in the Eastern Bay.

Timely and cost-effective access to healthcare has been a longstanding issue for remote communities but the expansion of telehealth (or video doctor) services promises to make that a problem of the past.

Telehealth is the use of telecommunications technology to support long-distance healthcare.

This includes patient consultations via video link, where a medical professional can link in with a patient hundreds or thousands of miles away.

Opotiki's Church Street Surgery recently launched diabetes nurse-led telehealth clinics and they have quickly become a popular and routine feature.

Cases are discussed during weekly video links with Bay of Plenty District Health Board (BOPDHB) nurse practitioner Isabel Raiman from her office 145kms away at Tauranga Hospital.

'They might get some complex cases on which they need more advice,” says Isabel, who heads up the BOPDHB's Diabetes Service.

'So rather than referring the patient and them having to go to Whakatane to see someone we will have a video consultation.

'Sometimes people are working, or there might be some anxiety about going to hospital to see someone they haven't met before, or the patient can't afford to make the journey. If it's too difficult the patient won't go and telehealth is all about improving access to services.”

Isabel says it has been really successful and they're looking at expanding it, making it more multi-disciplinary so including, for example, dieticians and podiatrists.

Ellen Walker, Registered Nurse at the Church Street Surgery, says telehealth had already shown its worth.

'In one case, a complex diagnosis led to timely and appropriate treatment, whilst in another – an older lady – found her telehealth experience so good that she is asking for the dieticians to do the same.

'Telehealth has enabled Isabel to become a sustainable part of our Church Street team for only a few moments in her busy week, without making the 290kms round trip. We are thrilled with the quality and excited about the potential.”

BOPDHB Telehealth Project Facilitator Ernie Newman says telehealth's cost and convenience benefits meant its use would become commonplace.

'Five or ten years ahead it will be in everyday use, delivering huge benefits in health outcomes and efficiency - especially for elderly patients, those with long term conditions, and/or those in remote locations.”