Wikimedia Commons: Matakana Island Photo: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS / Ulanwp
The directors of a programme transforming healthcare for residents on remote Bay of Plenty islands say the model could be repeated in rural areas.
The Tapiri Mai project is bringing telehealth to the 500 residents living on Matakana Island and 60 on Motiti Island, cutting down what used to be an hours-long trip to Tauranga for a doctors appointment.
The installation of a radio mast and 4G network, as well at Starlink devices, means residents can now have specialist video consults from home, and assistance from an onsite nurse.
Te Uta Roretana is the chief operations officer of the Matakana Island health service, and Hera Murray is the lead nurse on the island.
