DORA Digital Health Van – Linton Park Community Centre

From Monday 14 October to Friday 18 October, DORA Te Waka Matihiko Hauora, a mobile learning centre, will be in Rotorua District, helping people join the growing numbers who are benefitting from having online access to their health records. Most medical practices throughout New Zealand offer an online health app to their patients, with many using the popular Manage My Health, myindici 2.0 or Aero platforms. These apps give patients access to their health records such as blood test results and enable them to order repeat prescriptions as well as book appointments with their GPs. Online health services are available to anyone with a smartphone, tablet or computer and internet connection. However, it is up to individual medical practices to determine the scope of services that they can provide, so while the trainers on DORA explain what is possible, everyone is encouraged to check what their own GPs offer when they sign up. Rotorua Area Primary Health Service (RAPHS) Chief Executive, Kirsten Stone, says, “As a healthcare network, our priority is to empower everyone with the resources and knowledge to take control of their health. Easy access to health information and digital applications enables whānau to make informed decisions, stay connected with healthcare providers, and receive timely, appropriate care. By embracing digital solutions, we can improve health equity, enhance accessibility, and create a system that truly reflects and respects the unique needs of all our communities. This is a great opportunity for people in Rotorua District to get more help accessing their health information online.” Rotorua Library, as a long-term partner of Digital Inclusion Alliance Aotearoa (DIAA), plays a significant role in assisting residents of Rotorua to get online and become competent at accessing information on apps and websites, including those related to health. Library staff can show people how to access the health apps and the Healthify website during DORA’s visit and on an ongoing basis. DORA’s visit is being supported by DIAA, Rotorua Library and RAPHS. Library staff will be providing the training on DORA, which will be open to the public at various locations each day. No booking is needed. Just drop in and the team will give you whatever help you need in using your digital devices and accessing your online health records. The Operations Director for DIAA, Laurence Zwimpfer, said how pleased he was to have the support of staff from local community organisations. “We understand how important it is for everyone to have ongoing help with their digital technologies whenever they need it. So, for those who miss DORA’s brief visit, it is good to know that there are local organisations like the Library and the Koiora wellness hub that can provide ongoing help.” DORA’s Rotorua Itinerary: 14-15 October: Jean Batten Square, in front of Te Aka Mauri, 1127 Haupapa Street, Rotorua (10am – 1pm and 2pm – 4pm) 16 October: Mokoia Community Association, 297 Vaughan Road, Ōwhata (10am – 2pm) 17 October: Jean Batten Square, in front of Te Aka Mauri, 1127 Haupapa Street, Rotorua (10am – 1pm and 2pm – 4pm) 18 October: Linton Park Community Centre, 16 Kamahi Place, Pukehangi (10am – 2pm) Tags / Keywords Learning Outdoors Wellbeing