Health Minister Simeon Brown has unveiled plans to launch a tele-health service, allowing patients to see a doctor or nurse from home via their mobile device. 

“This service will mean Kiwis can access primary healthcare from anywhere in New Zealand, 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the ability for GPs and nurses to also issue prescriptions or make referrals for lab tests," Brown said yesterday.

Dr Bryan Betty, a Wellington-based GP, said tele-health is a good solution for those who need to see a doctor urgently for an illness like a cold or sore elbow - but isn't the answer to the problem of thousands of Kiwis not having a GP.

He joined Nick Mills to discuss the announcement. 

LISTEN ABOVE

Health Minister Simeon Brown has unveiled plans to launch a tele-health service, allowing patients to see a doctor or nurse from home via their mobile device.&nbsp;
“This service will mean Kiwis can access primary healthcare from anywhere in New Zealand, 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the ability for GPs and nurses to also issue prescriptions or make referrals for lab tests," Brown said yesterday.
Dr Bryan Betty, a Wellington-based GP, said tele-health is a good solution for those who need to see a doctor urgently for an illness like a cold or sore elbow - but isn't the answer to the problem of thousands of Kiwis not having a GP.
He joined Nick Mills to discuss the announcement.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Wellingtonians now have the chance to discuss the issues of the day one-on-one with proud local Nick Mills and have a forum to share their ideas, passions and outrages on a daily basis.

You don't find many people more passionate about the capital than Nick, and he comes to Wellington Mornings after decades of success as the man behind some of the city's leading hospitality and entertainment offerings - Spruce Goose, Hummingbird and the Wellington Saints basketball team just to name a few.

Nick's proud of his city but also knows much can be improved on to make Wellington an even better place, and brings an honest, edgy, fun and engaging show to Wellingtonians each weekday from 9 'til midday.

Wellingtonians now have the chance to discuss the issues of the day one-on-one with proud local Nick Mills and have a forum to share their ideas, passions and outrages on a daily basis. You don't find many people more passionate about the capital than Nick, and he comes to Wellington Mornings after decades of success as the man behind some of the city's leading hospitality and entertainment offerings - Spruce Goose, Hummingbird and the Wellington Saints basketball team just to name a few. Nick's proud of his city but also knows much can be improved on to make Wellington an even better place, and brings an honest, edgy, fun and engaging show to Wellingtonians each weekday from 9 'til midday.

Wellingtonians now have the chance to discuss the issues of the day one-on-one with proud local Nick Mills and have a forum to share their ideas, passions and outrages on a daily basis.

Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills

Dr Bryan Betty: Wellington GP on the government's new tele-health initiative

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/95f9343c-143b-4c89-8722-b29501878745/transcript