Collaborating to Advance Home Healthcare

Rarotonga Home Health Services (RHHS) and the Te Mareola Ministry of Health (TMO) have signed a health partnership agreement, committing to improving home care services in the Cook Islands.

The partnership was officially launched on 4 July and aims to combine efforts and resources to improve the quality and efficiency of community health services in the Cook Islands.

This strategic alliance will significantly enhance home healthcare, ensuring residents receive necessary care in the comfort of their own homes.

By leveraging the strengths and expertise of both RHHS and TMO, the agreement is expected to more effectively address a variety of healthcare challenges.

The main contents of the agreement include:

• Resource sharing: This collaboration will facilitate the exchange of medical equipment, information and expertise between RHHS and TMO, thereby providing more comprehensive medical services.
• Efficient Service Delivery: The partnership emphasizes efficiency and aims to reduce wait times and improve access to basic health services.
• Quality Care: Maintaining high standards of care is a top priority, ensuring patients receive first-class treatment and support, and
• Community-centred approach: The partnership will prioritise the unique needs of Rarotonga’s communities, tailoring services to effectively meet local healthcare needs.

Health Minister Bob Williams said the agreement was part of the TMO’s strategic plan to work more with the private sector, “not just with our home care services but also with private GPs so we do the same for them”.

Williams said they had several meetings with Rarotonga Family Health Care Services “because we wanted to fill that gap and they were a good fit because they were already serving in the community”.

“For patients at home, whether they are palliative care patients or elderly, we always see gaps in the system, so it’s great to have a partnership with RHHS because they provide these types of services for our elderly and palliative care patients in their homes and in the community,” he explained.

“Secondly, we want them to have access to the patient’s medical records so they can further support the patient at home.”

Katarina Muirfield, director of Rarotonga Family Healthcare Services, is optimistic about the partnership.

“This means that RHHS can work with the TMO to share information, resources and training opportunities to improve the efficiency and quality of services and care provided,” Moorfield said.

The agreement is also expected to break down existing barriers, making patient management more streamlined and efficient.

Morfield added: “The service will be enhanced by reducing barriers such as sharing patient information vital to patient management and access to TMO resources including medical advice and interventions.”

Morfield explained that RHHS approached the TMO to discuss some of the challenges they face in the community and how they think improvements can be made.

The TMO was aware of the work RHHS was doing in the community to fill gaps in service delivery caused by staff shortages.

“This seems like the best way to work together to make sure the needs of the community are met as much as possible,” Morfield said.

“This collaboration is a major step forward for healthcare in Rarotonga, and promises a brighter, healthier future for the community. By working together, RHHS and TMO are committed to providing high-quality, efficient healthcare services that meet the unique needs of the community.”

Morfield said RHHS only operates on Rarotonga, but there is potential for expansion in the future.

“Rarotonga Home Health Care currently only operates on Rarotonga, but in the future we can explore how we can do that,” she explained.