As general practices gear up to take some well-deserved and needed time off over the Christmas period, leading healthcare provider, ProCare, has stepped in to provide funding and subsidised virtual GP appointments via CareHQ to ensure that its communities maintain access to more affordable healthcare over summer.

This initiative will see ProCare provide a significant level of funding to support patients in its network of practices to access virtual healthcare via CareHQ at a subsidised cost, allowing patients with a Community Services Card (CSC) to pay just $19.50 and non-CSC card holders to pay $49.95. ProCare will ‘top-up’ the difference to cover the standard CareHQ consult of $79.95.

Bindi Norwell, Group Chief Executive at ProCare says: “Amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, this Christmas Funding initiative aims to ensure that patients have continued access to essential healthcare services during the busiest time of the year, as many GPs take a well-deserved break.

“By investing in virtual consultations via CareHQ, we are looking to not only alleviate pressure on in-person clinics but also provide affordable, accessible care for our communities at a time when they need it most. This virtual option to book a CareHQ GP through their practice portal or via the CareHQ website will also allow a lot of flexibility for patients, who can access CareHQ, even if they are on holiday in other parts of New Zealand,” continues Norwell.

Gabrielle Lord, General Manager of Practice and Clinical Services says: “We all know you can’t pour from an empty cup. This initiative will go a long way to support a tired and overstretched general practice workforce, that has been working relentlessly over the last few years.

“Practices and their staff can rest easy knowing that their patients are well cared for, giving them the much-needed time off to take care of their own wellbeing,” Lord concludes.

Brett Butler, General Manager of CareHQ says: “As is always the case with CareHQ, there will be no clawback generated for practices when their patients book an appointment with us. Additionally, upon consent, detailed notes of the consultation will be provided back to the practice ensuring continuity of care for patients. There is no charge for practices who sign up to have CareHQ integrated into their practice portal booking systems, and the portal can be activated any time to help with afterhours and overflow as required.”

Funding is available for practices within the ProCare Network from Monday 16 December 2024 until Sunday 19 January 2025, subject to demand.