38970 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

38970 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What is the closest afterhours care that Rangiora residents can access (not hospital emergency department)?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised that a range of urgent medical services are already available to the people of North Canterbury outside normal business hours. Healthline (call 0800 611 116) has experienced health professionals available 24/7 to provide health advice, including how to self-care; and when and where to go for further care if required. All practices in North Canterbury offer their enrolled patients an after-hours telehealth service, Practice Plus, available weekdays until 10:00 pm and weekends 8 am - pm. St John and Health New Zealand offer a visiting Paramedic Assessment Service in the Waimakariri area, available 7 days until 11:00 pm. The Pegasus 24-Hour Surgery, 30 minutes by road from Rangiora, continues to be available to North Canterbury people. For people needing to be seen urgently and without access to transport, a Health NZ-funded taxi service is available on referral from Healthline or the Paramedic Assessment Service. In addition, local practices Amberley Medical and Durham Health are open Saturday mornings.