Find care when things go wrong on holiday
WellSouth Primary Health Network – with more than 70 general practices in Southland and Otago – has advice on where to get help when you need it.
WellSouth Integration Director Stuart Barson offers some timely advice on what to do if you're away from your usual general practice when things go wrong, where to find help, who to call. You can listen here
He reminds us to be prepared before we head off
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Get your first aid kit up to date before you head off, with anti-histamines, bug spray, plasters, anti-septic lotion, painkillers and your usual prescriptions.
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Book ahead with your general practice for repeat medications. Visit your local pharmacy for advice and information on what else you could add to your first aid kit.
Measles
We also encourage people to check their measles immunisation status and get MMR vaccination. If you are traveling overseas, we recommend that you get vaccinated at least two weeks before travelling to give the vaccine enough time to start building your immunity. Head to Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine to find out more.
Healthcare advice while away
If you need healthcare advice after hours while on holiday, call your general practice. From there you will be advised the next steps including where your nearest after hours centre is.
You can also call Healthline for free on 0800 611 611 even if you are not enrolled.
Finding a provider
You can visit www.Healthpoint.co.nz to find healthcare and nearby medical centres while you’re away on holiday, including after hours. When you find a nearby medical centre, call first to book, find out the opening hours and fees. Remember:
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Subsidisies won’t apply at a practice you are not enrolled in.
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Many centres don’t offer walk-in appointments; please call first.
You can find Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Urgent Dentists at healthpoint.co.nz (search “pharmacy”, etc).
The holidays can be a tough time
Look after your mental wellbeing and those around you during the holidays. Free call or text 1737 for support.
If you need mental health wellbeing advice, please reach out and contact:
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Free call or text 1737 for support.
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Youthline: 0800 376 633, free text 234, or email talk@youthline.co.nz.
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Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
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Visit Are You OK? www.areyouok.org.nz
Telecare in rural parts
If you are traveling in rural parts of the country and need healthcare assistance, you can talk to a doctor or nurse by phone or video.
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Ka Ora is a free service for rural areas. Call 0800 2 KA ORA or 0800 252 672 (charges may apply for GP advice).
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Online GP is a NZ-subsidised telehealth service. Go to www.info.health.nz/online-gp-care
Hospitals with emergency departments in Otago and Southland
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Lakes District Hospital, Queenstown
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Oamaru Hospital
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Southland and Dunedin Hospitals
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Gore Hospital
Find out more about hospitals with emergency departments here: Otago and Southland
In an emergency
In any critical or life-threatening emergency call 111.
