14 February 2022

Wairarapa DHB is asking people to only use the Masterton Hospital Emergency Department if they need emergency care.

The Emergency Department at Masterton Hospital is for life-threatening emergencies only. Patients should call 111 in an emergency, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Patients with non-life-threatening emergencies can affect the ability of ED staff to properly triage and manage patients, and hinder infection control measures by increasing the risk of spreading contagion to other areas of the hospital.

This is particularly important as the DHB responds to Covid-19 and Omicron and prepares for the coming flu season.

The DHB is asking those patients with non-life threatening concerns to call their Medical Centre and see their GP in the first instance.

Patients are also able to use the After Hours Service based at Masterton Medical Centre at 4 Colombo Road, Lansdowne, Masterton.

The After Hours Service provides urgent medical care to ALL Wairarapa and out of town patients.

You do not have to be a patient of Masterton Medical to use this service.

After hours is open weekends and public holidays, 9am-5pm Phone 06 370 0011

Or patients can access telehealth primary care between 5pm-10pm weekdays and 8am-8pm weekends/public holidays through PracticePlus.

Patients can also call Healthline free on 0800 611 116 which offers free medical advice 24 hours.l

Patents are urged to call Healthline if:

• they don’t have a family doctor
• if they’re feeling unwell but not sure if they need to see a doctor
• they need advice about what’s happening and the next steps to take
• if they want some advice about a family member or a friend who’s sick (if they are with them)
• if they want advice on finding services near them-  they can also check www.healthpoint.co.nz