Spritely welcomes the announcement by Health Minister Simeon Brown recognising the success of a digitally enabled heart failure care model in Hawke’s Bay that is delivering outstanding clinical outcomes and valuable cost savings for the health system.
The programme, powered by Spritely’s remote patient monitoring (RPM) platform, is helping heart failure patients avoid hospital readmissions by enabling timely medication adjustments, real-time symptom monitoring, and improved access to care. The platform has been used by Hawke’s Bay Hospital’s cardiology team to provide proactive, personalised care for patients at home — particularly those in rural and hard-to-reach communities. In the Minister’s official statement, he acknowledged the Hawke’s Bay model as an example of how digital innovation can improve access and quality of care, while reducing the burden on overstretched hospital services.
“Under the old pathway, it could take up to nine months for patients to reach the right combination of medications. The new pathway is accelerating access to care, reducing hospitalisations, and making it possible for more patients to be seen and receive the care they need,” the Minister said.
Data from Hawke’s Bay shows that:
· 30-day hospital readmissions were 0% for RPM-supported patients (compared to 25% in standard care);
· Time to full medication titration was 6–8 weeks (compared to 6–8 months in standard care)
· DNA (Did Not Attend) rate for video consults was 0%, compared to 15% for in-person clinics.
· Over $300,000 in health system savings has already been realised through the programme;
The Minister’s announcement aligns with the Government’s broader goals of reducing emergency department wait times, improving access to care in rural areas, and adopting a more connected, outcomes-based approach to health delivery. Spritely’s technology is locally developed and designed to support the needs of older adults, and those with limited access to digital tools — ensuring equity of access remains at the heart of this innovation.
Spritely CEO Christopher Dawson said:
“We’re proud to see this clinical success recognised by the Minister, aligning with national goals for modern, efficient care. The impact is clear — better patient outcomes, less hospital burden, and meaningful cost savings.”
As New Zealand’s health system looks for sustainable, cost-effective models of care, Spritely stands ready to support Health NZ, regional teams, and clinicians nationwide in delivering scalable, digitally enabled care pathways that work for both patients and the system.
