Find the right care when things go wrong
Still 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.
Dr Carol Atmore, Clinical Director at WellSouth, says every year, medical centres in tourism hot spots work very hard to meet the needs of people with a range of health conditions and needs who visit their area. In some instances, these visits can often be prevented or planned for.
"Unfortunately, accidents and sickness do happen on holiday, but there are things we can all do before we head away. Make sure you stock up at a pharmacy, and get your repeat prescriptions filled before you go on holiday.”
Pharmacies are a wealth of information and essentials.
“Pharmacies sell first aid kits or items to top them up, painkillers, sunscreen, hydration solutions, anti-septic lotions, child-friendly paracetamol, plasters, insect repellent and much more. Stock up before you go on holiday because many cribs and campsites are far away from pharmacies, and rural pharmacies may not be open seven days a week,” she says.
“Pharmacists can help with earaches, sore throats, sore tummies, the morning-after pill, constipation, conjunctivitis, migraines, sunburn, dehydration, provide care for wounds, as well as over the counter medication for headaches, hayfever and diarrhoea.”
Get your vaccinations up to date
“Unfortunately, whooping cough are circulating in the South, and we are seeing occasional measles cases in New Zealand. Children, especially newborns, can become very sick. Whooping cough, or pertussis, is highly contagious, and one person can pass the infection on to 12 other people, on average,” says Dr Atmore.
“Both whooping cough and measles are preventable by being up to date with immunisations. Ensure your children are given any immunisations they are due before you go on holiday, not wait until you return.”
“If you are pregnant, it's important you get you free pertussis immunisation from 16 weeks pregnancy onwards until baby has their 6-week-old immunisation. If you’ll be around young members of your whānau this summer holiday, ensure you are up to date with your pertussis booster. This is free for adults 45 to 65 years.
When things do go wrong, there’s plenty of help available.
In an emergency, call 111.
Dr Atmore says, “If it seems urgent but not life-threatening, call Healthline on 0800 611 116. It’s free and 24/7. Clinicians will advise if you need more attention and where to get it.”
She says a great starting point is your own general practice where you are enrolled even if you are not in the area. “They may be able to provide you telehealth care over the phone. The same goes for after-hours. Your general practice will have a message after they close for the day, for weekends or holidays, directing you to a telehealth service.”
“If you need to see someone in person, the telehealth nurse will direct you to the nearest after-hours provider.”
For some people, this is a difficult time of the year.
Dr Atmore reminds us all to look out for friends, family members, and neighbours who might be struggling at this time of year.
“For some it's loneliness, or financial pressures, or missing people who go away. Often it helps to talk to someone. You or your loved ones can call or text 1737 anytime for mental health support.”
Dr Atmore’s top tips
“Plan ahead, stock up on supplies before you go away! When things go wrong call for help before you travel to a medical centre or hospital. You can call Healthline or your own GP to get some telehealth support before you have to go anywhere. Stay safe and be well.”
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