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Shaping the Future of Rural Healthcare with PRIME and Innovation.

A significant shift in rural healthcare has recently occurred with changes to ACC legislation, which now allow paramedics to be officially recognised as PRIME (Primary Response in Medical Emergencies) responders. This update is a game-changer for rural communities like Hanmer Springs, where timely access to emergency care can be limited due to distance and resources. For the team at Hanmer Springs Health Centre, this legislative change has been an exciting development, enabling their paramedic practitioner to officially register as an ACC provider and respond to PRIME calls. This not only enhances the care they can offer their local community but also ensures that paramedic services are properly compensated, allowing them to further integrate into the practice’s healthcare delivery model.

The first PRIME assignment for Hanmer Springs Health Centre’s paramedic practitioner came just one day after the legislation passed—a fitting demonstration of the immediate benefits these changes are bringing to rural health care.

Hanmer Springs Health Centre is deeply rooted in the local community and has a rich history of providing healthcare services dating back to 1918. Originally, Dr. Little attended to patients by horseback, a far cry from the fully established healthcare centre it is today. Over the years, through several key milestones, including the establishment of the Hanmer Springs Community Trust in 1994, the Centre has expanded and modernised to meet the growing healthcare needs of both the local population and the large number of tourists who visit the alpine village each year (though the physical space will need to be extended again soon).

The Centre is proud to offer comprehensive services to its community, from urgent and emergency care to ongoing wellness programmes and specialist services like skin clinics, diabetes management, and podiatry. As a registered charitable community trust, the Centre is committed to providing accessible, affordable healthcare to all, and it works closely with local organisations and businesses to create a supportive network for health initiatives.

At the heart of Hanmer Springs Health Centre is a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, all of whom share a passion for patient-centred care. The practice’s culture is deeply community-focused, as it is both owned by the community and works to serve the community’s needs. This has fostered an environment of trust and respect among patients and staff alike, allowing the Centre to provide care that is both holistic and individualised.

The team includes not only doctors and nurse practitioners but also paramedics, allied health professionals, and administrative staff. Together, they ensure that the Centre meets the diverse needs of the community, whether that’s through routine primary care, mental health support, or urgent medical interventions. The integration of paramedics as PRIME responders enhances the Centre’s ability to handle medical emergencies and offers another layer of support for the community in times of crisis.

The recent ACC legislative changes have made a significant impact on the way Hanmer Springs Health Centre provides emergency care. Previously, rural GPs, nurse practitioners, and nurses were the primary providers for PRIME calls in areas with limited ambulance coverage. With the new regulations, paramedics can now take on a formal role within rural primary care practices, allowing them to respond to emergencies directly and be compensated for their services.

This legislative shift is particularly important in rural areas like Hanmer Springs, where ambulance services may be stretched thin or response times may be longer due to distance. The ability for paramedics to respond to PRIME calls on behalf of the health centre provides faster, more effective care, and reduces the burden on other healthcare providers like GPs and nurse practitioners, who are often tasked with emergency care in addition to their regular duties.

The first major response under the new legislation occurred just days after the change was implemented—an incident outside the health centre itself. The experience was a powerful reminder of how these changes have enabled the team at Hanmer Springs Health Centre to respond more swiftly and effectively to medical emergencies.

In addition to enhancing the capabilities of the health centre, the integration of paramedics into the PRIME response team also strengthens relationships with local volunteer emergency services, such as the dedicated Hato Hone St John ambulance officers. These volunteers, who play a crucial role in emergency care across the Hurunui district, now have additional professional support on the ground in the form of paramedics working directly with them.

This partnership has proven invaluable, particularly in instances where nearby paramedic ambulance services are unavailable or when ambulance response times are extended. The collaboration between Hanmer Springs Health Centre’s paramedics and volunteer ambulance officers helps ensure that patients receive timely care while reducing unnecessary emergency department visits.

Hanmer Springs Health Centre’s commitment to holistic care extends beyond emergency services. The practice plays an integral role in the wellbeing of the local community through a variety of initiatives, including a free health and wellbeing transport service for seniors and those without access to transport. This community car service helps members of the community get to medical appointments, social outings, and even local events, such as the Hurunui Garden Festival or trips to Christchurch for specialist appointments.

The Centre is also involved in local events, such as the Four Square Hanmer Half Marathon and the Mt Isobel Challenge, promoting health and wellness within the community. These initiatives, along with the practice’s focus on health education, have helped build a strong relationship with the residents of Hanmer Springs.

As the population of Hanmer Springs grows, so too does the need for expanded healthcare services. The team at Hanmer Springs Health Centre is already looking to the future, considering plans to either expand their current premises or find new space to accommodate the increasing demand for care. Additionally, they’re actively involved in the national Rural Unplanned Urgent Care redesign project, which aims to improve urgent care services in rural communities across New Zealand.

Embracing technology has become a priority. Recent investments in digital healthcare tools, such as AI and telehealth services, are allowing Hanmer Springs Health Centre to offer remote clinical support to other rural practices in the Hurunui District and beyond. These technologies will help the Centre continue to provide high-quality care even in the face of challenges like staff shortages or ill

ness.

Hanmer Springs Health Centre’s ability to adapt and grow in response to the needs of its community reflects its dedication to providing the best possible care for rural populations. With the integration of paramedics as PRIME responders, continued innovation, and a strong partnership with Hauora Taiwhenua, the Centre is well-positioned to meet the challenges of rural healthcare both now and in the future. As rural health professionals, we can all learn from Hanmer Springs Health Centre’s model of community care, collaboration, and continuous improvement in serving the needs of our rural populations.