November 6, 2008

West Coast Project wins NZ Health Innovation Award

The West Coast District Health Board is delighted to announce that at a gala dinner in Wellington last evening its project "Alternative Pathways for New Patients" won the Excellence in Process Improvement Award at the New Zealand Health Innovation Awards.

Patient Journey Improvement Coordinator, Alison McDougall and GP liaison officer Dr Carol Atmore were in Wellington to accept the award on behalf of everyone involved.

The New Zealand Health Innovation Awards are a long-standing joint initiative by the Ministry of Health and ACC. They celebrate innovative thinking and, often, life changing developments in the health field.

The project, also won the supreme award at the 2007 West Coast Health Innovation Awards.
Over 130 people living on the West Coast have already benefited from the scheme which has reduced waiting time for colonoscopy and cataract surgery by up to 80 percent.

Alternative Pathways for New Patients has cut waiting times for those with suspected colorectal cancer that need a colonoscopy by almost three months, and for patients needing cataract surgery by nine months.

Previously patients would go to their GP and be referred for a consultation with a specialist who would then place them on the waiting list for surgery.  Because some specialists aren't local and do not visit the West Coast frequently, patients often waited some time to be seen.

Under the new scheme GPs and optometrists work together to send patients requiring cataract surgery straight to the waiting list, instead of first referring them to a specialist.  For patients who require a colonoscopy, GPs complete a form based on the patient's symptoms and test results which is then sent straight through to the surgical waiting list.

The scheme has not only dramatically reduced waiting time for patients but has also increased efficiencies in both services. The West Coast DHB which runs the project is now considering which other services could benefit.

The project is part of a plan to investigate improvements in the patient journey through the healthcare system on the West Coast. Schemes such as the Alternative Pathways for New Patient are important developments as the West Coast District Health Board plans to provide sustainable healthcare services into the future.

For more information please contact

Bryan Jamieson
Community Liaison Officer
West Coast DHB
PO Box 387
Greymouth 7840
Phone (DDI): (03) 769-7665
Mobile: 027 245-9595
Email: