Residents in Horowhenua now have more clarity on where to turn for urgent medical care outside regular GP hours, with the Horowhenua After-Hours Service continuing to provide essential healthcare for those in need.
The after-hours service is run by local GPs and offers care for urgent cases when regular clinics are closed. It operates on a rotating basis, with the clinic location depending on which GP is on duty at the time.
The service runs from 5 pm to 7.30 pm Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 5.30 pm on Saturdays, and from 8 am to 3.30 pm on Sundays and public holidays. However, patients must book an appointment before arriving, as walk-ins are not accepted.
Anyone needing urgent care should start by contacting their regular GP clinic. The team there will advise on whether an after-hours visit is necessary and confirm the clinic location for that day. For those who are not enrolled with a GP, assistance is available by calling 06 368 1402 to speak with a nurse for advice on the next steps. Additionally, Healthline can be contacted for free at 0800 611 116 for further guidance.
It is important to note that the after-hours service is strictly for urgent medical needs and does not cover routine matters such as driving medicals, WINZ or ACC forms, or repeat prescriptions. For these, patients are encouraged to use the online service Practice Plus, which provides quick access to consultations for non-urgent healthcare needs.
The Horowhenua After-Hours Service remains a vital resource for the community, ensuring that residents have access to timely care when their regular doctor’s office is closed. For more details about the service, visit the website thinkhauora.nz.
With healthcare services stretched across the country, local residents are reminded to only use after-hours care for urgent issues and to keep emergency departments free for life-threatening situations.