Health authorities in the Bay of Plenty are urging people to seek alternative healthcare following a high number of people coming to BOP hospitals that don’t need to be there.
“We are currently experiencing a high number of presentations at both Tauranga and Whakatāne hospitals. Whilst not uncommon during the winter period, the impact is very full hospitals and Emergency Departments,” reads a post on Health NZ - Bay of Plenty’s Facebook page.
The health organisation says some people presenting to hospital currently may not require hospital level care, and there are several more appropriate healthcare alternatives available for those with minor ailments.
These are listed below.
If you do require hospital level care please do not hesitate to call 111 or come directly to Tauranga or Whakatāne Emergency Departments.
Healthcare alternatives in the Bay of Plenty
If you’re experiencing health issues, and it’s not an emergency, there are a number of options:
GP/pharmacist
- Bay of Plenty residents needing healthcare can phone their GP anytime. A nurse triage service will answer after-hours calls – they can confirm whether you should go to Tauranga or Whakatāne Hospital’s Emergency Department or wait to see your regular GP, or a pharmacist.
- For everyday ailments and symptoms, visit a pharmacy. Pharmacy locations and opening times are listed on the Healthpoint website at: www.healthpoint.co.nz/pharmacy
- Visitors who are not registered with a local doctor can call Healthline anytime on 0800 611 116. Anyone wanting free health advice can also call Healthline anytime.
Telehealth and virtual GP appointments – Practice Plus
Practice Plus offers same day virtual clinician consultations. The service is available weekdays until 10pm and weekends and public holidays 8am – 8pm.
For more information call 0800 7722 7587, email help@practiceplus.nz or go to:
Telehealth & Virtual GP Appointments New Zealand | Practice Plus
Tauranga area
- Accident and HealthCare, based at Second Avenue Health Centre, 9 Second Avenue, Tauranga is an urgent care clinic open every day from 8am to 8pm. No appointment necessary.
Phone: (07) 577 0010
Website: www.accidenthealth.co.nz
- Consult365 - Pāpāmoa Accident & Medical Walk-In Clinic. Open 7 days, 9am-9pm. Check ahead for on-the-day availability.
Phone: (07) 222 4144
Website: www.papamoa.consult365.co.nz/
Email: papamoa@consult365.co.nz
Whakatāne area after-hours
Need to see a doctor during a weekend? Head to Te Awe Tieke Hauora, After-Hours GP Clinic located in Whakatāne Hospital Outpatients Department, entry via Stewart Street.
Open weekends 10am-3pm. Remember to always phone your GP (doctor) first or visitors can call 0800 306 326.
Need to talk?
If you or someone you know is struggling you can get support by free-calling or texting 1737 any time, 24 hours a day. You can also call Lifeline on 0800 543354 or text HELP to 4357.
Covid-19
For Covid-19 advice, call 0800 358 5453 anytime.
In an emergency
If it’s an emergency call 111 or come directly to Tauranga or Whakatāne Emergency Departments.
2 comments
Free of Charge
Posted on 18-07-2024 14:47 | By Yadick
They should be screened out at triage and told to go elsewhere or just keep getting pushed down the wait list. They only do it because it's free. Milking the system. I understand times are tough but it's a hospital not a GP.
The Master
Posted on 18-07-2024 17:07 | By Ian Stevenson
That likely results from: -
1 People can not get into a medical practice to see a GP, many/most if not all are not taking on any more patients.
2 The huge cost of a GP visit is prohibitive to many, so A&E is the only option left
Add to that the DHB needs to "Cull" the majority of its back room ranks, seat-warmers and more, rather than eliminating front line staff etc. The only way to deal with health issues is to have more frontline staff, not less. This outcome results from Wellington seeking changes, however after that, the Bura-rats are looking after self first, cull the rest...
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