A comprehensive health plan in Taranaki is aiming to support patients to better manage their health from the comfort of home. 1News reporter Nicole Bremner went along for a ride to see how it works.
A health service provider in New Plymouth is easing the load on high needs patients and local hospitals by offering a hands-on, home-based approach for patients to better manage their health.
Tui Ora provides a range of Hauora and social services, and staff are seen as key to engaging with Taranaki’s vulnerable Māori and Pasifika populations.
“They have that real ground connection, particularly with those who may not be engaging with the health system or the system, per se,” chief executive Alana Ruakere explained.
Among them is Warea man Lester Ransfield, who is receiving treatment at home for diabetes and ongoing heart issues.
“Because I’m no longer working, it’s hard to get petrol for the car just to travel from one end of town to the other,” he told 1News. “So, when they come out and visit me, it helps more than you know.”
Thirty-five kilometres away in New Plymouth, nurse Toni-Ann Beekman fills a prescription before embarking on a 60km round trip through roadworks and rain to check on her patients.
After getting out of her car, Beekman receives a warm greeting from Ransfield before heading to the dining table for a health check.
“This approach to healthcare’s the best because you’re not only treating their condition, you’re helping the person. If you treat the person first, you get to know them and treat their conditions second, it’s a win every time,” Beekman explained.
It’s vital continuity of care – and reassurance for Ransfield and his whānau.
Ransfield called Beekman “a really important part of my family”.
“If something goes wrong, if I end up having a heart attack or something, I know that Toni-Ann will help.”
It’s a relationship built on openness with one another.
“She knows when I’m lying, so she can catch me out as well,” Ransfield said with a laugh.
“I can’t get cross at her because at the end of the day, again, it’s my fault.”