Phone your GP day or night for healthcare advice is the message going out to Western Bay of Plenty residents during the summer break.

A well-established nurse triage service answering after-hours calls is in place for all 30 of the Western Bay's GP Practices.

'The service helps people get fast, effective advice any time of the day or night,” said Dr Joe Bourne, a GP for Nga Kakano Foundation in Te Puke.

'Your GP Practice's phone number is the only one you need for medical advice. If it's an after-hours call it will automatically re-direct to a qualified nurse who will discuss your treatment options with you.”

Phoning their GP first would mean patients received expert medical advice immediately, helping them get better sooner, added Dr Bourne.

'The call could save you time and money. For example, you could save yourself a potentially long wait in the Emergency Department for an issue which could be treated at the pharmacy. And if it's a simple case of buying medicine over-the-counter this could save you the cost of a consultation.

'If the issue is a medical emergency the triage service will be able to connect patients with an ambulance,” he said. 'It's a good idea to save your GP's number to your mobile phone so it's handy when needed.”

Those people visiting the Western Bay of Plenty who are not registered with a local GP can access the same service by calling 0800 367 432584.

Western Bay of Plenty Pharmacies open during the holiday period

Countdown Pharmacy, Fraser Cove, 243 Fraser St, Tauranga South:

Open 9am-8pm 7 days.

Unichem John's Photo Pharmacy 292 Cameron Rd, Tauranga:

Open 7 days 8am-8pm.

Bay of Plenty GP hours during holiday period

For information relating to Bay of Plenty GP hours over the holiday period visit www.bopdhb.govt.nz