News and notices Pānui
Healthcare options during the holiday season
05 January 2024
As the Bay of Plenty population increases over the holidays, so does the demand on our local health services. If you’re experiencing health issues, and it’s not an emergency, there are a number of options:
In an emergency
If it’s an emergency call 111 or come directly to Tauranga or Whakatāne Emergency Departments.
GP/pharmacist
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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
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For everyday ailments and symptoms, visit a pharmacy. Pharmacy locations and opening times are listed on the Healthpoint website at: healthpoint.co.nz/pharmacy
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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
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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.
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Green Cross is operating walk in clinics for their own and casual patients from Monday to Friday 8am-1pm at the Doctors Tauranga Medical Centre, 434 Devonport Road, Tauranga South. No appointment necessary. Phone number 07 928 8000.
Whakatāne area after-hours
Need to see a doctor during a weekend or public holiday this summer? Head to Te Awe Tieke Hauora, After-Hours GP Clinic located in Whakatāne Hospital Outpatients Department, entry via Stewart Street.
Open weekends and public holidays to 6 February from 10am – 4pm. Remember to always phone your GP (doctor’s) 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.