New approach to health

LAUNCH: Dr Murray Shaw speaks to a crowd at the opening of Kauri Healthcare. PHOTO: KARLA KARAITIANA

A shared vision for better patient care was at the heart of the official opening for Kauri Heathcare's new purpose-built facilities last Friday.

Local GP and Kauri Healthcare shareholder Dr Murray Shaw says the driving force behind the concept is a noticeable gap between general practitioners and secondary healthcare providers.

"My busyness of seeing my patients in 15-minute appointments meant I didn't have time to develop the closer relationships I wanted with secondary care and community agencies that would benefit my patients," he said.

Dr Shaw envisioned a healthcare provider that fulfilled a triple aim of a great patient journey supported by quality and cost-effective care.

"I was aware that in my small practice there were plenty of things we did well, but I also knew that there were gaps."

This sentiment was echoed by his colleagues who worked with him at his Albert and Vivian Street practices.

"We talked and we visioned and analysed and planned and often got excited," he said.

"And, just as often we got worried and anxious but together, built this ship that we are launching today."

Health Minister Dr Jonathan Coleman officially opened the new medical centre and championed Kauri Healthcare as an innovation in integrated healthcare, bringing huge benefits to its patients.

"We need the full range of skills across the healthcare work force to connect society," he says. "You [Kauri Healthcare] are making integrated care real."

Kauri Healthcare has a host of onsite specialist clinics, including child asthma and eczema services, a dietician, fragility fracture services, a dermatologist and a sleep clinic.

Since opening, the specialist clinics have already experienced higher demand than expected which the teams says is pushing them to introduce more initiatives. These include collaborations with Maori healthcare providers, reducing the instance of dental decay in young children and developing services for refugee populations.

Dr Shaw says when he has been asked to describe their vision, he has only one word: connectiveness.

"Connectiveness with our patients, our community, our city and with our health service colleagues," hesaid.

Kauri Healthcare's new premises are at 619 Featherston Street, Palmerston North.

The practice is taking on new patients.

For more information or to enrol call (06) 357-4424.