Advancing Vascular Care: Highlights from the Vascular Society of Aotearoa New Zealand Annual Scientific Meeting 2025 @ Waitangi
Advancing Vascular Care: Highlights from the Vascular Society of Aotearoa New Zealand Annual Scientific Meeting 2025 @ Waitangi
Last weekend, 105 clinicians gathered at the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds for the Vascular Society of Aotearoa New Zealand (VSAoNZ) Annual Scientific Meeting 2025.
The event commenced with a warm welcome from Te Tii Marae Chairman Ngāti Kawa Taituha, setting the tone for an engaging and insightful gathering.
Bringing together delegates from across Aotearoa and around the world, the meeting featured a dynamic programme of presentations, including contributions from Te Tai Tokerau’s clinicians.
A key highlight was the Quick-Fire Registrar Presentation Programme, where registrars currently undertaking rotations in Te Tai Tokerau showcased their research and clinical insights.
Dr William Xu was presented with 'The best registrar paper award' for his work titled long term outcomes and reintervention after acute Type B dissection: results from a nationwide observational study. Congratulations William.
Te Tai Tokerau Vascular Nurse Specialists Karen Devine and Robyn Martinovich shared the impact of a nurse-led vascular service initiative that has transformed patient care in Te Tai Tokerau.
Since its implementation, this innovative model has led to a significant reduction in outpatient wait times, decreasing delays by up to 60 percent for all patients. There has also been a 136 percent increase in outpatient clinic capacity.
The specialist nurses provide care across the continuum, serving as a point of contact and coordination across Northland and the wider Northern region.
A focal point of discussion was Te Pahi O Ngā Iwi, the Mobile Diagnostic Van, a ground-breaking initiative enabling the Te Tai Tokerau Vascular Nursing Team to take clinical services directly to the community.
This innovative service, which addresses critical barriers to healthcare access, was personally acknowledged by Ngāti Kawa Taituha in his opening remarks. Recounting a chance encounter with Te Pahi O Ngā Iwi and Nurse Specialist Robyn Martinovich during his early morning walk, he emphasised the need to bring services to the people to reduce health disparities and ensure equitable care for Māori.
“Te Pahi O Ngā Iwi has already proven its ability to bring essential vascular services closer to the people who need them most,” said Vascular Nurse Specialist Robyn Martinovich.
The VSANZ Annual Scientific Meeting 2025 underscored the importance of collaborative, patient-centred approaches in vascular care, reinforcing a commitment to innovation and equity in healthcare delivery.
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