A newly established out-patient clinic for ear, nose, and throat (ENT) and audiology appointments is providing Wairarapa patients with local access to specialist hearing services for the first time.

Until recently, audiology patients throughout the Wairarapa district had to travel over the Remutaka Range to Hutt Hospital for treatment.

Health New Zealand Audiologist Kylie Bolland says the three-hour round trip was a significant barrier for patients and whānau wanting to get to their audiology appointments.

“The traffic, cost of travel, inconvenience, and social cost of taking a substantial amount of time away from work or school all played their part in that,” Bolland says.

“Having a permanent suite combining ENT and audiology here in Masterton will increase access and health equity for Wairarapa residents requiring these services.

“It will also help reduce the number of patients who aren’t able to attend appointments, as well as improve the efficiency of managing appointments and treating patients who can now have their audiogram in the sound-treated audiology booth followed by an ENT appointment in the next room.”

The regular clinics will help to take pressure off waitlists and reduce the number of people waiting for services.

The new clinic is located opposite Wairarapa Hospital, at Te Manu Rongo on Te Ore Ore Rd, and is staffed by a team comprising an audiologist, doctor, nurse, and administrator.

Bolland says the clinic is the result of coordinated efforts from teams in Wairarapa and Hutt Valley. “We are all delighted to bring these combined services to the district to better serve the local communities here.”