Nurse Maude Trials Starlink in Remote Communities
Nurse Maude is trialling Starlink satellite internet to support staff working in some of New Zealand’s most remote and rugged regions. With limited or no mobile coverage in areas such as Golden Bay, the service is being tested to improve real-time access to clinical systems for frontline staff delivering home and community care.
Currently, a Case Manager based in Nelson is piloting the technology while working in low signal zones across the district. The trial includes exploring different setups - from mounting the Starlink dish to the roof racks of Nurse Maude vehicles, to positioning it on the parcel tray inside the car. A 12-volt adapter allows the unit to be powered through a standard vehicle cigarette lighter, meaning the connection can be deployed almost anywhere with a clear view of the sky.
While staff currently use a dedicated client management system that safely stores information offline and uploads when connectivity resumes, satellite internet allows for faster documentation and more timely updates to client records. The ability to maintain a stable connection, even when outside mobile coverage, means staff can stay connected to key systems, access support, and deliver more consistent care - particularly during home visits in isolated settings.
There is growing interest in expanding the trial to other regions with known mobile “dead zones,” including Murchison and parts of the Wellington region. Nurse Maude are continuing to explore how mobile satellite connectivity could be scaled to support more case managers and support workers delivering care across rural, coastal, and high-country communities.
As the health sector increasingly relies on digital tools and real-time information sharing, solutions like Starlink may help bridge the connectivity gap for clinicians working at the edges of the network - ensuring they remain connected to their teams and clients, wherever they go.
