Otaki PHO Successful in Rural Innovation Fund Application

20/09/2009 | Otaki PHO Successful in Rural Innovation Fund Application

Otaki Primary Health Organisation is one of two PHOs in the MidCentral District Health Board region that are among the six successful national applicants of the Health Ministry’s 2009/2010 Rural Innovation Fund.

Otaki PHO’s General Practitioner-led clinics targeting Kohanga Reo and kindergartens; and Tararua PHO’s mobile service delivery; plus four other successful applicants have each been given one-off grants of up to $50,000 for a 12-month project, from 22 applicants nationally.

Health Minister Tony Ryall said the Government wants better, sooner, more convenient care in rural areas and the six innovators include projects on teleradiology, medical counselling, and treatment monitoring for depression, and a flying doctor service.

Mr Ryall said the Rural Innovation Fund ultimately aims to encourage the uptake and spread of innovation initiatives that fit in with the Primary Health Care Strategy and the Government’s health targets.

Otaki PHO’s proposal to introduce GP-led clinics within local Kohanga Reo and kindergartens in the Otaki region is “a unique and innovative solution” to improving access to GP services for the target group which often find it difficult to address their health needs through mainstream methods.
The proposal came about after the PHO was approached by a representative of one of the town’s Kohanga Reo concerned about reoccurring health issues being faced daily by children/tamariki attending sessions. They believed the health issues were impacting on the children’s ability to learn and concentrate, and in many cases required immediate intervention by a GP. The common health issues included: hearing, vision, nutrition and dental services.

While there were many benefits from the nurse-led clinics, it was felt by the Kohanga Reo, that greater gains could be achieved with a GP visiting on a regular basis.

After further discussion, interest has been shown by the other three Otaki Kohanga, and it was felt the service could later be extended to other early childhood centres.

It is proposed GP-led clinics would provide comprehensive quality GP services once a month from local Kohanga Reo or kindergartens.

The clinics would enable a specific follow-up by the GP to the comprehensive health assessments previously undertaken by the PHO Outreach Nurse.

Parents/caregivers would be encouraged to attend the clinic with the child, also allowing parents to engage directly with the GP in a familiar environment to ensure reinforcement of important messages for the child, and their family/whanau.

The clinics are aimed at reducing barriers to accessing services, reducing inequalities for this age group, and enhancing community, family/whanau and individual resilience and independence for people who are rurally isolated.