Te Hiku waives doctors' fees

Kaitaia-based health provider Te Hau Ora o Te Hiku o Te Ika has waived its fees for patients under the age of 18, as of yesterday.

"These are vulnerable years, especially for Maori children," Dr Bruce Gregory, who chairs the trust that governs the practice, said last week," adding that the trust was responding to the hardship families were facing in tough economic times, wanting to do its best to ease some of that financial burden.

Medical care for all enrolled patients under the age of 18 would now be free.

"While hospital-based after hours charges remain the same, consistent with the standard in the community, it is our hope that eliminating the fee to see a doctor or nurse in the GP clinics will ensure easier access and earlier intervention for children with medical needs," Dr Gregory said.

"We wholeheartedly support the Ministry of Health's initiatives for children's health such as free for medical care and medications for children under six, the change to after hours fees for under sixes, and providing free dental care to teenagers (13-17 years) through our practice at Number One Dental. Te Hiku wanted to take it a step further, so the move to free consultations for all children aligned perfectly with our commitment to improving health access for tamariki and rangatahi."

Dr Lance O'Sullivan, formerly employed by Te Hiku, congratulated the trust for looking at ways of improving the delivery of health services. Making access for those under 18 free showed there was capacity for that within current funding constraints, and the initiative was to be applauded.

"I have been advocating for a long time that access to primary health care be widened to ensure that those with the greatest needs are not restricted due to financial barriers," he said. "Areas like the Hokianga have shown that this is possible, and this initiative is a step in the right direction."