Attributable to Robyn Shearer, Deputy Chief Executive, Central

Health New Zealand is refining the criteria used to fund free GP and registered nurse healthcare services in Hawke’s Bay for young people aged 14-24 years.

This is to ensure the sustainability of this service and it is for the young people in the area who are most in need.

People in this age group with the greatest healthcare needs will be prioritised and will still be able to access these services for free, if they meet any of the following criteria:

  • Currently holds a Community Services Card,
  • Currently resides in a Quintile 5 area, and/or
  • Have a diagnosed long-term condition, including, but not limited to, diabetes, renal disease, cardiovascular disease, non-asthma respiratory disease, cancer, or severe mental health concerns.

This service is an extension to the normal funding provided by Health NZ for general practice services for young people across the country.

All young people across Hawke’s Bay can also contact a health care professional through Open Access Clinics.  

We will continue to review access to these services to ensure we are supporting young people.