[Debbie]

My 4yr old was ill all over the weekend and we had to call the emergancy Dr's late Sat night and go in to see them on Sunday. Nothing major in that, but I've started to worry about out of hourss DR provission in NZ.
I expect that there is some out hours DR system and you pay more for that, (which is fine). But since my kids can't seem to be ill in office hrs can someone please post back and confirm that there is such a service available.

I know this is daft, but I was alway taught to assume nothing and with this being such a big step Im not about to break the habit of a life time.
Debbie

[backtonz]

But since my kids can't seem to be ill in office hrs can someone please post back and confirm that there is such a service available.

Debbie

Yes, late night on Saturday seems to be a popular time to fall ill. Where are you going to live ? Usually, there is an "A&E" - accidents and emergencies clinic in the vicinity which is open at weekends and for longer hours.

We lived in Red Beach near Auckland and the A&E was open till 10 pm every day. Outside those hours - there was a designated doctor to call (number at the A&E) and/or the A&E in a more densely populated area (north shore) was 24 hrs, (I think). Worst case, the outpatients unit in the nearest hospital.

Your experience may vary based on distance from major cities.

Good Luck

[Debbie]

Thanks for that, I had read all about the health system in NZ but hadn't registered any info about Out of Hours services. It's only when I had to use them that I realised that it was something we would need to check.
Debbie

[ruthyroo]

I had a wee accident on a Sunday afternoon, and was directed to an Emergency Drs Clinic rather than A&E. From what I could see, the clinic (which is open 24 hours 7 days) acts as a kind of clearing station for A&E at the hospital - they did the initial assessment, took X-rays, and decided that I did need to go to the hospital for plastering, arranged for transport etc. If I hadn't needed to go to A&E they would have treated me there then sent me home. No appointments needed, just walked / limped / stumbled in off the street.

The costs were about $80 for the Dr consultation, $48 for the X-rays and I got free transport as an ambulance was taking someone else to A&E. As it was an accident, ACC paid some of the costs - but this wouldn't happen for an illness.

I could have probably turned up at A&E straight off but would have waited a long time to get seen / assessed as they were very overworked / understaffed. As it was I waited 1.5 hours to get a plaster on (not Elastoplast!)...

This was in Dunedin. Maybe you could check for the local Emergency Drs in your area, and whether they do house calls and keep that number by the phone?