Te Whatu Ora announces the phasing out of GP2GP system
Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand has put forward plans to address the immediate concerns surrounding the outdated GP2GP electronic patient record transfer system. The system, which was first introduced in 2011, is expected to become obsolete once the new shared digital health record system is launched later this year.
To tackle the pressing issues at hand, Te Whatu Ora has outlined several actions, including providing an updated GP2GP source code to practice management software suppliers, enabling secure messaging provider HealthLink to support file transfers up to 50 megabytes, and releasing a consistent version of the system.
Expansion of Western Australia’s virtual ED services
Access to the WA Virtual Emergency Department (WAVED) is being extended to a larger population, nearly two years after its initial launch. The WA government has teamed up with Healthdirect, a nationally funded health advice service, to broaden the reach of the virtual service. Eligible adults will now be connected to senior emergency doctors via telehealth through Healthdirect referrals.
Originally catering to seniors and individuals in residential aged care facilities, WAVED has successfully assessed 72% of emergency referrals since its inception in 2023, contributing to a reduction in emergency department presentations.
Introduction of virtual MERIT program in Far West Local Health District
The Far West Local Health District in New South Wales has introduced virtual access to the Magistrates Early Referral into Treatment (MERIT) program, which offers treatment for individuals struggling with alcohol and drug use issues. Initially rolled out in Broken Hill, Wilcannia, and Wentworth local courts, the virtual platform aims to address the specific needs of remote and rural communities.
Acting attorney-general Ron Hoenig expressed that the addition of virtual drug and alcohol treatment options will enhance accessibility to MERIT’s support for individuals residing in regional and remote areas.
