Tēnā koe, 

 

Thank you for contacting Te Whatu Ora, Health NZ. This is an automatic
reply to confirm that we have received your email.  Depending on the
nature of your request you may not receive a response for up to 20 working
days.  We will try to respond to your query as quickly as possible.

s information that is identified to be of general public interest, the
response may also be published on our website. If we e response to your
OIA request, all personal information, including your name and contact
details will be removed.

 

Ngā mihi

 

Te Whatu Ora, Health NZ.

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Tēnā koe Renoh,

Thank you for your email of 28 June 2023, asking for the following
information under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act):

1. How many DHBs/specialists in ophthalmology used a teleophthalmology
(telemedicine specific to ophthalmology) mode of consult during and after
the covid-19 pandemic?
2. What were the major telemedicine portals used by the DHBs in New
Zealand for virtual consults in the ophthalmology specialty, and who is
responsible for procurement/management of these portals?
3. Are there any established teleophthalmology pathways followed by the
specialists practicing under Te Whatu Ora hospitals/DHBs/clinics?
4. Do Health NZ/DHBs/Hospitals keep track of the number of virtual
consultations done pre-/post-Covid using telemedicine for ophthalmology
referrals? If so, what are the numbers/stats for these, and who is
responsible for managing this data?
5. How many DHBs/hospitals under Health NZ have an established pathway for
conducting remote virtual telemedicine consultations in ophthalmology
specialization? Can we have the names/details of these DHBs/hospitals?
6. How many DHBs/hospitals under Health NZ currently accept tele-referrals
from GPs/optometrists for:
a. Urgent referrals
b.Semi-urgent referrals
b. Routine referrals
Can we have the numbers/names/details of these DHBs/hospitals?
7. Are there any studies conducted by Health NZ researchers/experts to
understand the workflows and practices of staff working and patients
enrolled in GP/optometry practices with already established
teleophthalmology pathways?
8. Are there any studies conducted by Health NZ to understand technical,
logistical, and human factors affecting the implementation of telemedicine
followed in ophthalmology in the NZ health setting?
9. Have the telemedicine practice addressed the equity and accessibility
issue of specialist ophthalmology referrals in New Zealand? Any data
pertaining to this would be appreciated.
10. Are there any set regulations followed by Health NZ to review/regulate
the telemedicine consultations/practice followed by various
clinics/hospitals under Health NZ? Especially for the ophthalmology
specialty.
11. How many GP practices/private optometrist practices are currently
eligible to refer patients to eye specialists practicing in Health NZ
hospitals? Can we have the names/details of these DHBs/hospitals?
12. What are the cybersecurity clearances/certifications/tests needed for
a telemedicine platform to be able to be successfully integrated into a
Health NZ referral/treatment portal?

 This email is to let you know that Te Whatu Ora needs more time to make a
decision on your request.

The Act requires that we advise you of our decision on your request no
later than 20 working days after the day we received your request.
Unfortunately, it will not be possible to meet that time limit and we are
therefore writing to notify you of an extension of the time to make our
decision, to 17 August 2023

This extension is required because the volume of information is such that
necessary to make a decision on your request are such that a proper
response cannot reasonably be made within the original time limit.

If you have any questions, please contact us at [1][Health New Zealand request email]

If you are not happy with this extension, you have the right to make a
complaint to the Ombudsman. Information about how to do this is available
at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or by phoning 0800 802 602.

Nāku iti noa, nā

Vicky 

Ministerial Services
 
Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand
TeWhatuOra.govt.nz
 

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References

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1. mailto:[Health New Zealand request email]

Kia ora Renoh, 
 
Thank you for your request for information regarding telehealth
services on 26 June 2023. Please find attached our response to your
request.
 
If you have any questions, please get in touch at
[1][Health New Zealand request email].
 
If you are not happy with this response, you have the right to make a
complaint to the Ombudsman. Information about how to do this is available
at [2]www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or by phoning 0800 802 602.
 
Ngâ mihi,
 
Te Whatu Ora Ministerial Team
 
Ministerial Services
 
Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand
TeWhatuOra.govt.nz
 

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References

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1. mailto:[Health New Zealand request email]
2. file:///tmp/foiextract20230815-36-awjxsg#