Tararua PHO Successful in Rural Innovation Fund Application

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

Tararua 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.

Tararua PHO’s mobile service delivery; and Otaki PHO’s General Practitioner-led clinics targeting Kohanga Reo and kindergartens; and 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.

Tararua PHO proposes to use a re-fitted caravan to have a Mobile Service Delivery Unit that would allow it to deliver services in every community within its district. The unit would be equipped to allow any and all of its services to travel to any of its communities and set-up for on-site clinics and appointments. The services include: immunisation, diabetes, respiratory, cancer support, cardiology, physical activity, smoking cessation, nutrition/dietary, mobile nursing, and Innerstrength (Mental Health).

It is hoped the unit caravan would be suitable for one-on-one client visits, small educational groups, and screening sessions such as blood pressure, blood glucose or spirometry.

Any re-fit required would be minimal as there would be no specialist fitting necessary. Any specialist services such as podiatry would be required to provide any necessary equipment.