New Extended Care Paramedic service supports primary care in Northern Coromandel

A new Extended Care Paramedic (ECP) initiative has been launched in Northern Coromandel in response to community-identified health needs developed through locality planning and partnerships.

Like many rural communities, Northern Coromandel has challenges with accessing timely healthcare services. Identifying this gap through collaborative locality planning, the area launched an ECP model on 1 July.

The initiative is being driven by Pinnacle MHN, Hauraki PHO, Hato Hone St John, Coromandel and Whitianga general practices, with support from Te Tara o Te Whai Alliance.

“The ECP model wouldn't be possible without the strong partnership between the providers, Hato Hone St John, and the Coromandel and Whitianga communities. By working together, we've been able to address a critical need for improved access to urgent and unplanned primary care services in the region which was identified in the Te Tara o Te Whai locality plan,” said Mark Taylor, development manager for Pinnacle Midlands Health Network (Pinnacle MHN).

“ECPs bring a broad skillset to the table, enabling them to manage chronic conditions and address acute situations that might otherwise require an ambulance. This model improves residents' access to primary care services, including same day appointments when possible,” he said.

Te Tara o Te Whai alliance is a pioneering locality prototype rooted in Hauraki. Taima Campbell, chief executive for Hauraki PHO and programme lead for Te Tara o Te Whai Hauraki localities, said the alliance supported the decision for Pinnacle MHN to be key leaders in delivering the Northern Coromandel ECP model to address the need for easily accessible and reliable primary health care for whānau and community.

“By leveraging place-based planning and grassroots decision-making, we are proud to support a service that directly responds to the voices of Hauraki whānau,” said Taima.

All parties involved have witnessed the power of collaboration between healthcare providers and community organisations.

“The initiative in Northern Coromandel is new for the area and specific to this community. As with anything new there might be some teething issues, but it’s a familiar and integrated approach of community-based care, and the solutions will continue to be community led and focused,” said Mark.

“The Northern Coromandel ECP model is one part of Comprehensive Primary and Community Team investment in the Coromandel and Hauraki area, that will pave the way for further expansion. The ECP services are free for patients, so by working together we are able to develop innovative solutions that address local healthcare needs.”