News and notices Pānui
GO WELL this summer in the Bay of Plenty!
22 December 2023
The key to having fun is being prepared.
The holidays are a time when people head away from home, friends, families, and whānau come together, and there are lots of big public events.
BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Opening hours of doctors, hauora providers and community pharmacies may change over the
summer period. Be sure to get in touch early if there is anything you need over the holidays, including:
- Regular prescription medicines
- RATs and masks
- Covid booster, if you are eligible, and/or measles (MMR) vaccine
- Basics you may need over the break, like paracetamol and first aid supplies.
HEALTHCARE SUPPORT
- Call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free medical advice 24/7, 365 days a year. Interpreter support and Māori clinicians are available.
- Healthline is important if you don’t have access to your regular doctor, or if you are unsure if you should go to hospital or not. Save the Healthline number to your phone so it is handy if you need it.
- In an emergency call 111 or go directly to your closest Hospital Emergency Department.
MANAGING THE HEAT AND SUN
Some summer days will be very hot, so be prepared and look out for those who are more likely to be affected by the heat, including older whānau.
- Plan ahead - check the forecast daily
- Drink plenty of water and have water available throughout the day
- Stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day, find shade outside wherever possible
- When outside, wear high-SPF sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and loose clothing that covers your
skin - Cars can get very hot in the sun so please don’t leave children or pets in them unattended
- Exercise or do outdoor activities early in the morning or later in the evening.
TRAVELLING OR LIVING RURALLY
- Health services and pharmacies may be limited, particularly in remote areas. Have on hand:
Regular medication/prescriptions - Plenty of sunblock
- A first aid kit
- Thermometer
- Pain relief
- RATs
- Masks
- Hand sanitiser
- Insect repellent
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 is still a risk this summer
- COVID-19 is still in our communities and is a significant risk.
- Protect yourself, your whānau, and your community by getting immunised.
- Additional COVID-19 boosters are available for everyone aged 30 and over, and those aged 16-29 who are pregnant orat higher risk of severe illness.
- Make sure you have enough prescription medication, RATs, masks, and items to treat mild symptoms for the duration of traveling. Stay home or isolate if sick.
- If you do get COVID-19 call 0800 358 54 53 for free COVID-19 health advice, any time, any day, even on Christmas Day. Interpreter support is available.
- For more information on COVID-19 please visit: info.health.nz
FOOD SAFETY
Food safety is even more important in hot weather. Make sure you keep raw meats and their juices away from already cooked or ready-to-eat foods like salads. Remember to:
- Clean – your hands, chopping boards, kitchen tools (but don’t wash chicken or raw meat – it will spread bacteria). Use separate chopping boards for meat and seafood.
- Cook – chicken, sausages, and mince patties all the way through, and eggs until the white is completely firm and the yolk begins to thicken. Reheat food until piping hot, and don’t reheat leftovers more than once.
- Chill – keep eggs in the fridge, refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours, and eat leftovers within 2 days. Refrigerate raw meat in the bottom shelf, away from cooked or ready-to-eat foods.
When in doubt, chuck it out!
For medical emergencies, call 111.
How to access healthcare in the Western Bay
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 Hospital’s Emergency Department or wait to see your regular GP, or visit a pharmacist. Visitors who are not registered with a local doctor can call Healthline anytime on 0800 611 116.
Urgent after-hours care is available at Second Avenue Health Centre, 19 Second Avenue, Tauranga. Open Mon – Sun 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM including public holidays. Fees apply. PHONE (07) 577 0010.
Anyone wanting free health advice can also call Healthline anytime. For COVID-19 advice, call 0800 358 5453 anytime. For everyday ailments and symptoms, visit a pharmacy. Please find your nearest available pharmacy at Bay of Plenty | Healthpoint.co.nz
How to access healthcare in the Eastern Bay
Eastern Bay 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 Whakatane Hospital’s Emergency Department or wait to see your regular GP, or a pharmacist.
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. For COVID-19 advice, call 0800 358 5453 anytime.
For everyday ailments and symptoms, visit a pharmacy. Please find your nearest available pharmacy at Whakatāne, Bay of Plenty | Healthpoint.co.nz