Leap in patient demand for CareHQ over past year

CareHQ, the virtual GP service and joint venture between ProCare and Southern Cross Health Insurance provided care to more than 43,000 patients over the last 12 months, up 78% on the 12 months prior, where it served more than 24,000 patients.

Bindi Norwell, Chair of CareHQ said: “This huge boost in numbers is a true testament to the value that CareHQ and telehealth services provide to the people of Aotearoa New Zealand, and the assistance that has been provided to support General Practices across the motu.

Norwell says that as General Practices continue to face high levels of demand, and workforce shortages, CareHQ has been a great support to help with afterhours and overflow services.

“In the last 12 months, the team have made fantastic progress, collaborating with general practices to find new and innovative ways that CareHQ can provide support,” she said.

With the launch of new services such as an off-work certificate clinic and extended consultation options, patients now have even more ways they can access healthcare services with CareHQ and find the support they need.

Patient feedback is exceptionally positive, with more than 21,000 patients rating the service, and an average post-consultation feedback score of 4.8 out of 5.

Dr Reza Jarral, Chief Medical Officer, CareHQ said: “The last year has been one of growth and expansion for CareHQ. Our introduction of extended consults has seen a significant 10% uptake, which has highlighted the desirability of this option for patients, as well as allowing extra time for our GPs to deal with more complex presentations including mental health issues.

“As a non-enrolling clinic, CareHQ has found its place in overflow care and has been available for a great number of patients when their own GP is unavailable or fully booked. We ensure that patients are navigated back to their enrolled GP where appropriate for continuity of care,” adds Dr Jarral.

Celanchia Espin, Practice Manager at OneCare Health said, “CareHQ has been an invaluable help to our practice over recent months, particularly as some of the team have been away on leave or sick with winter bugs. The support provided by CareHQ means that we can ensure our patients still get the healthcare they need, when they need it.”

Norwell adds “CareHQ is going from strength to strength, and I look forward to celebrating the next milestones that the team are striving to achieve.”