Attributable to Dr Sarah Clarke, National Clinical Director Primary and Community Care

With summer here and the holiday break now on our doorstep, Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is reminding New Zealanders to be aware of the healthcare options available to them throughout the country.

While some healthcare providers will operate limited hours over the Christmas and New Year period, many pharmacies, urgent care clinics and telehealth services will be available for their communities to ensure a seamless primary care service.

National Clinical Director Primary and Community Care Dr Sarah Clarke says no matter where you are in the country, you can access care around the clock.

“Whether you are at home or away, you can still phone your normal general practice or healthcare provider as your first port of call for health advice when it's not an emergency. Many now provide online or phone appointments. If the practice is closed, your phone call will be transferred through to their afterhours service.

“There are also several other providers available in our community, including our local pharmacy teams and telehealth options. Many common summer conditions can be safely managed by telehealth clinicians. This includes providing prescriptions where needed, and all from the comfort of your home or holiday destination.”

“If you are unsure what to do, then Healthline is available for free 24 hours a day on 0800 611 116. Their clinicians can provide you with health advice and can also help you to find the services you need. You can choose to speak with a Māori clinician if you’re calling between 8am and 8pm. When you call, you can use your mobile to share images and video – to help the team help you.”

Dr Clarke reminds New Zealanders that no matter how remote they are, if they have phone access, they can connect with a health care professional for afterhours medical advice and treatment.

“Ka Ora Telecare provides afterhours primary care services for our rural populations. If you live rurally or you are visiting rurally, then you can access Ka Ora. They’re available from 5pm to 8am on weekdays, and 24 hours on weekends and public holidays.

“You can book an appointment directly online, or you can phone on 0800 252 672 to speak to a triage nurse who can help to understand your needs and then will book an appointment with a doctor or nurse practitioner if you need one. It’s free for people aged under 14, and it’s free for anyone to speak to the nurse. If you normally live rurally but are visiting a city you can still use Ka Ora, so remember to store their number on your phone, just in case.”

For many common conditions, Dr Clarke encourages Kiwis to consult their local pharmacy for advice.

“Your local pharmacy is a great place to go for health advice, and they can treat common conditions such as eye infections and inflammation, pain and fever, scabies, urinary tract infection, head lice, eczema or dermatitis, and minor skin infections – all without the need for a prescription from your GP.

“Also, a reminder if you or a whānau member is running low on prescription medication, please prepare for the holiday break and contact your GP or healthcare provider now to arrange a repeat or book an appointment”.

Hospital emergency departments and many urgent care clinics will remain open – so if it’s an emergency, always call 111 or go to ED if you are seriously unwell.  Dr Clarke also encourages New Zealanders to be mindful that the holiday season can be a stressful and lonely time for some.

“Regularly checking in on neighbours, friends or whānau, or extending an invitation to share kai can be helpful ways to support your community over the summer. If you know of a loved one who is feeling low and could need support, there are a range of free online mental health tools and support services available,” says Dr Clarke.

Summer health checklist: 

  • If you need prescription medication over the summer break, contact your local GP or healthcare provider early to stock up.
  • Visit www.healthpoint.co.nz for up-to-date information on your local GP and pharmacy opening hours.
  • If you need a doctor appointment while you’re away, you can try your usual GP first. Many offer online and phone appointments, and they may have out-of-hours telehealth services too.
  • Remember if you get sick whether you’re at home or away, call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free medical advice 24/7 – interpreter support is available. Healthline can also advise what services are open wherever you are in the country.
  • Rural people, and people holidaying in rural areas can access Ka Ora rural telecare after hours by calling 0800 2 KA ORA (0800 252 672) or book online at kaora.co.nz. The service runs from 5pm to 8am on weekdays and 24 hours a day at weekends and on public holidays.
  • When you’re heading for the water, don’t forget to visit ‘Can I Swim Here?’ section of the Land Water Aotearoa (LAWA) website at www.lawa.org.nz to view the latest information. 
  • Keep sun smart this summer. You can access daily UVR level forecasts by downloading apps including the UVNZ app, NIWAWeather and the Metservice app.
  • For more information head to www.sunsmart.org.nz
  • Helpline services offer support, information and help for you and your parents, family, whānau and friends. The services listed below are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor. 
  • For mental health and wellbeing online support tools and resources visit www.depression.org.nzlifeline   
  • Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz 
  • Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO).

ENDS