First Patients for Paediatric Diabetes Telemedicine Clinic

Media Release

14 January 2015

First Patients Seen in Paediatric Diabetes Telemedicine Clinic

Central Otago paediatric diabetes patients no longer have to travel to see the specialist team in Dunedin for a thirty minute appointment following the start this week of a new paediatric diabetes telemedicine clinic at Dunstan Hospital.

Patients are seen in Dunstan by Diabetes Nurse Specialist, Sharon Sandilands and Dietitian, Nicki McCarthy with a video link to Paediatric Endocrinologist, Dr Ben Wheeler in Dunedin. In Dunedin, Dr Wheeler, is able to review test results and discuss treatment and any issues with the patients via the video link. In Dunstan, Diabetes Nurse Specialist, Sharon Sandilands examines the patients, downloads glucose meters and insulin pumps and prescribes medications, with Dietitian, Nicky McCarthy offering diet advice in the same clinic session

Patients Sam Harry and her sister Kate Harry attended the first clinic yesterday. Mum, Jo Harry is delighted with the way the new clinic is being run. “As a family living in a rural area the clinic is really convenient and makes a huge difference. It takes the pressure off the family especially in travel time to Dunedin and it also means that we don’t have to take as much time off work and school.

The Diabetes Nurse Specialist carried out all the girl’s checks and our appointment was with the same doctor, the only difference is that it was via video link. The girls are on insulin pumps and Dr Wheeler is able to see the girls results (which they download onto a website) and discuss any treatment with us. It’s fantastic, the same care but just nearer home,” she said.

The clinic will save up to eight hours travel time for families every time a patient needs to attend a clinic which is usually at least four times a year depending on the patient’s needs. Patients will now be able to attend the local clinic and usually only have to travel to Dunedin Hospital for an appointment once a year.

Dr Wheeler said that, “the first clinic was a great success. The parents and children were happy to be seen closer to home and we’re able to provide the same high quality of care without the need for the patients and their families to travel.”

“I’m delighted that the clinics have started and how well they have gone. This is a great example of Southern DHB providing the right care in the right place at the right time and giving patients better access to healthcare,” commented Southern DHB Chief Medical Officer, Dr David Tulloch.

The telemedicine clinic was made possible by funding awarded through the “Southern Innovation Challenge.” The clinical team pitched their idea to a panel of judges and received the funding to purchase the camera and speakers to enable the new clinic to be set up.

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