I'm not well, where do I go? | Te Whatu Ora - Te Tai Tokerau
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I'm not well, where do I go?

 

   
 Depending on your illness, injury or other health concern, there are various places 
 you and your family/whānau can access healthcare.
  
 
On this page
 

> Care at Home

   Information and tips - keeping well, coughs, colds, flu, fever, minor injuries and skin issues.

  
 

> Pharmacy

   Get advice from your pharmacist - medication, vaccinations (COVID-19 & flu) and consultations.

  
 

> Healthline 0800 611 116

   Free medical advice, 24/7 - Feeling sick? Worried? Unsure what to do? Advice in your language.

  
 

> General Practice / Doctor

   Appointment or urgent treatment - Feeling unwell, high fevers and rashes, long term care, all
   immunisations, minor injuries.

  
 

> Accident / Urgent Medical Care

   Out of hours or urgent treatment - Care if your GP/Doctor isn't available, for injuries or if feeling unwell.

  
 

> Emergency / Ambulance

   Phone 111 in an emergency - chest pain, difficultly breathing, severe bleeding or severe pain.

  
   

 

 

  
  
Care at Home
   
 

For information and advice about health concerns or guidance about when to seek medical care, there are a few options:

  • Health Navigator A – Z is a New Zealand website with easy-to-read information on a wide range of health conditions – from abdominal pain to the Zika virus – including how to recognise symptoms and tips for prevention, self-care and treatment. 
     
  • Freephone Healthline on 0800 611 116.  Their team includes Registered Nurses, Paramedics and Health Advisors, all specialists in assessing and advising over the phone. The service is free of charge and interpreters are available. 
     
  • Emergency Q app (free download from Google Play or the Apple App Store) for advice about what and what is not a medical emergency, as well as directions to your nearest doctor. 
     
  • Phone your General Practice (GP) anytime 24/7.  After opening hours, your call will be directed to another health care provider. 
     
  • Video consult with a doctor, nurse or psychologist.  There are a variety of options for you to consult with a doctor, nurse or psychologist virtually (not physically) through your phone or computer.  If you register prior, the fee can be as low as $19  or free for under 14s. It’s like having a doctor or other health care professional on-hand wherever you happen to be – home, work, out and about, on holiday! For options, visit Virtual Consult Apps.
   
   
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Pharmacy
   
 

Your local pharmacy provides free on-the-spot advice about medicines and general health concerns. Pharmacies can provide various health checks and tests, vaccinations, and treatments for non-urgent health issues.
   
   
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Healthcare 0800 611 116
   
 

Referrals for specific care can be made by your GP as the coordinator for your health care needs. Otherwise, see below for links to where you can find information, advice and contact details.

Health A – Z

  • Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand – Te Tai Tokerau has an A – Z of Services.
  • The Health Navigator New Zealand website has a Health A-Z section with easy-to-read information on a wide range of health conditions – from abdominal pain to the Zika virus – including how to recognise symptoms and tips for prevention, self-care and treatment.

Mental Health and Wellbeing

  • The Hauora Kotahitanga website is a directory of wellbeing services and resources in Te Tai Tokerau Northland. 

Cancer Support

For cancer support services, visit www.healthpoint.co.nz/cancer/northland

Dental Care

For dental and oral health services, visit www.healthpoint.co.nz/dentistry/northland

Kaupapa Māori

For a variety of services, visit www.healthpoint.co.nz/kaupapa-maori-7/northland

Maternity Care

For maternity care services for women and babies throughout pregnancy (antenatal), labour and the first six weeks after birth (postnatal), visit www.healthpoint.co.nz/maternity/northland

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy can help after surgery or a stroke, help with arthritis, asthma, back pain, COPD, pelvic floor disorders, as well as muscle aches and sprains. For information and to find a physio, visit Physiotherapy New Zealand
   
   
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General Practice / Doctor
   
 

Enrolling with a General Practice (GP) team is important for you and your loved ones. A GP team can develop a relationship with you and be the coordinator for your health care needs.

Your General Practice is where most consultations take place and care is provided, as well as referrals for hospital and other specialist care.

You can phone your GP team 24/7.  After opening hours, your call will be directed to another health care provider.
   
   
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Accident / Urgent Medical Care
   
 

For accidents and urgent medical care issues such as a bad cut, sprain, possible broken limb, minor head injury, severe stomach pain, and you cannot see your GP, an urgent care clinic can help.

If you’re unsure whether you need urgent care, freephone Healthline on 0800 611 116 anytime 24/7 and a Registered Nurse can advise you what to do. Or, check the Emergency Q app (free download from Google Play or the Apple App Store).

If your issue does not require urgent care, an alternative to visiting an Urgent Care Clinic is to have a video consult with a doctor, nurse or psychologist.  There are a variety of options for you to consult with a doctor, nurse or psychologist virtually (not physically) through your phone or computer.  If you register prior, the fee can be as low as $19  or free for under 14s. It’s like having a doctor or other health care professional on-hand wherever you happen to be – home, work, out and about, on holiday! For options, visit Virtual Consult Apps.
   
   
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Emergency / Ambulance
   
 

The Emergency Department (ED) at a hospital is staffed by doctors and nurses with specialist training to diagnose, manage and treat acute and urgent illnesses and injuries that may be life-threatening or require immediate attention.

If you’re unsure whether your issue is an emergency, freephone Healthline on 0800 611 116 anytime 24/7 and a Registered Nurse can advise you what to do. Or, check the Emergency Q app (free download from Google Play or the Apple App Store).

Remember that our hospital EDs are for emergencies and life-threatening illnesses and injuries.  Non-urgent patients could face long waits.

So, what is NOT a medical emergency:

  • swelling
  • abdominal pain
  • bladder infections
  • coughs
  • toothache
  • sprains
  • weakness/fatigue
  • headaches (like ones you’ve had before)
  • small cuts
  • rashes
  • something stuck in the eye or ear
  • repeat medication prescriptions

If your issue is not an emergency, an alternative to visiting ED is to have a video consult with a doctor, nurse or psychologist.  There are a variety of options for you to consult with a doctor, nurse or psychologist virtually (not physically) through your phone or computer.  If you register prior, the fee can be as low as $19  or free for under 14s. It’s like having a doctor or other health care professional on-hand wherever you happen to be – home, work, out and about, on holiday! For options, visit Virtual Consult Apps.
   
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