The Cannabis Clinic (TCC) is rolling out an ‘assisted telehealth’ model next month to help patients for whom technology can prove a barrier to access.
The New Zealand clinic, which has face-to-face operations in Takapuna, Hastings and Nelson alongside its telehealth offering, will launch the new service in Nelson on October 1, initially twice weekly with plans to increase hours and eventually expand nationwide.
Patients attending the clinic will receive help to connect with TCC’s network of medicinal cannabis specialists.
Business development manager Lisa Gadsby said: “For patients who may have fears around using technology… our clinic provides a space where they can receive in-person assistance to connect with specialists remotely.
“This way, patients can get the care they need without the stress of navigating technology alone.”
Gadsby said Nelson was chosen as the first clinic to offer the service as it is “one of the most receptive cities in New Zealand to medicinal cannabis”, but the firm is exploring expansion into other cities where there is high demand.
TCC CEO Dr Waseem Alazher added: “We understand that technology can be a barrier for some, especially the elderly.
“This new model, even in its developmental stages, has already successfully assisted several of our clients in securing appointments with our doctors – appointments they otherwise might not have been able to attend.
“A significant portion of our clients are in the older demographic, with approximately 30% aged 65 and over. Our older clients often prefer the comfort of walking into a facility, experiencing in-person interactions, and receiving the assistance they need. This model provides exactly that.”