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Survey finds AI scribes gaining traction in New Zealand healthcare
New Zealand healthcare providers are increasingly turning to AI to reduce administrative workload and free up time for patient care, based on the Bank of New Zealand's (BNZ) latest survey.
The survey found that two-thirds of private providers have used or considered AI, with scribes and administrative automation leading adoption, while clinical tools such as imaging remain in pilot phases.
According to BNZ, workforce shortages are driving technology uptake, though barriers remain around compliance, affordability and integration. It noted that providers are seeking finance and advice to accelerate AI adoption.
Two ambient AI scribe tools – Heidi Health and iMedX – are currently formally endorsed by the New Zealand government for trial across public health services.
Hato Hone St John tests AI for clinical audits
Hato Hone St John has trialled a sovereign large language model trained on its clinical practice guidelines to support clinical audits across its emergency ambulance service.
In a LinkedIn post, it shared that the proof-of-concept showed potential to rapidly review large volumes of data, assess documentation quality, and deliver structured feedback to strengthen clinical safety.
The charitable ambulance service, which treats nearly 700,000 patients yearly, worked with Spectrum Consulting, IBM, and KPMG New Zealand for this project.
MediRecords introduces new cloud-based patient portal
MediRecords has unveiled its new cloud-based patient portal to replace its current mobile app and online booking tools.
Based on a media release, the platform enables patients to book appointments online, access and share results, view medications, manage digital consent, and complete care team tasks.
Integrated with MediRecords’ practice management system, the new portal gives patients greater visibility of their health information while streamlining workflows for providers.
The company is phasing out its current mobile app and booking tools by 2026.
