Wednesday, 03 August 2022 08:55

More support needed for rural communities

Written by  Leo Argent
Rural Health Network chair Dr Fiona Bolden says Paxlovid is a complex medication that can cause side effects, which need explanation and management. Rural Health Network chair Dr Fiona Bolden says Paxlovid is a complex medication that can cause side effects, which need explanation and management.

The Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network is welcoming a government announcement to widen the prescription criteria for the Covid-19 antiviral medication Paxlovid.

In a recent press release, network chair Dr Fiona Bolden said that it was an important step forward as New Zealand comes into the next surge of Covid-19, including the emergence of subvariant BA.5.

In rural areas, many people have antiviral medications like Paxlovid prescribed from many kilometres away and then couriered from urban pharmacies, which tend to be better supplied. However, the distances and individual pharmacies' policies involved can cause delays.

Bolden says the decision to allow community pharmacists to supply this medication without a prescription has raised some serious questions regarding patient safety. This concern relates to "back pocket" prescriptions - prescriptions which do not need to be used immediately.

She adds that Paxlovid is a complex medication, with many interactions, and can't be used without a person having adequate kidney or liver function. It can cause side effects, which need explanation and management and for Paxlovid to be safely supplied, access to this information is a necessity.

Bolden claims this information is currently not available in a universal way across the country.

"Pharmacists are an essential part of our rural healthcare team who have already had a very positive role in helping with the care of Covid in the community," she explains.

"Supplying this medication without adequate training and proper support will place additional unnecessary pressure on them. Rural pharmacies shouldn't be prescribing Paxlovid at all, but some rural pharmacists who have had appropriate training, and up-to-date medical records of the patient and the means to provide feedback to the main prescriber, may be able to do so."

Bolden adds that clinical assessment is always going to be an essential part of managing illnesses no matter where people live.

"Outcomes to changes in care need to be monitored carefully for unintended consequences."

More like this

Every exhibitor with something valuable to offer for farmers

OPINION: Welcome to the second annual NZ Dairy Expo at Matamata – an event created to bring together the best of the New Zealand dairy industry in a focused, grassroots environment where dairy farmers and rural professionals can meet, talk, compare products, and make smart decisions for their farms.

Locally grown fruits, veg in full supply

One of the country’s two largest supermarket chains is reporting that for the first time since the disruption of Covid, they have largely full supply on almost all fruit and vegetables grown locally.

Global shipping rates soar again

Covid-19 took global shipping rates to mind boggling highs, but over the subsequent 12-15 months they returned to more sustainable levels. Fast forward to July 2024 and rates have nearly doubled over three months.

HortNZ helps growers rebuild, recover

Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) chief executive Nadine Tunley says the industry-good body’s support for growers has proven to be multifaceted.

Featured

Wyeth to head Synlait

Former Westland Milk boss Richard Wyeth is taking over as chief executive of Canterbury milk processor Synlait from May 19.

Bremworth board upheaval

Listed carpet maker Bremworth has been rocked by a call from some shareholders for a board revamp.

Let the games begin!

New Zealand's largest celebration of rural sports athletes and enthusiasts – New Zealand Rural Games - is back for its 10th edition, kicking off in Palmerston North from Thursday, March 6th to Sunday, March 9th, 2025.

Breeder credits late uncle for hair sheep success

Southland breeder Tim Gow attributes the success of his Shire breed of hair sheep to the expert guidance of his uncle, the late Dr Scott Dolling, who was a prominent Australian animal geneticist.

The future of beef breeding

Progeny testing at Pāmu’s Kepler farm in Southland as part of Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Informing New Zealand Beef programme is showing that the benefits of hybrid vigour could have a massive impact on the future of beef breeding.

National

Chilled cow cuts enter China

Alliance Group has secured greater access for chilled beef exports into China following approval of its Levin and Mataura plants…

New CEO for Safer Farms

Safer Farms, the industry-led organisation dedicated to fostering a safer farming culture, has appointed Brett Barnham as its new chief…

Machinery & Products

AGCO and SDF join hands

Tractor and machinery manufacturer AGCO has signed a supply agreement with the European-based SDF Group, best known for its SAME,…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Sacrificed?

OPINION: Henry Dimbleby, author of the UK's Food Strategy, recently told the BBC: "Meat production is about 85% of our…

Entitled much?

OPINION: For the last few weeks, we've witnessed a parade of complaints about New Zealand's school lunch program: 'It's arriving…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter