June 23, 2022
Free GP offer for long weekend
Health providers in south Auckland are stepping up over the long weekend to take some of the pressure off Middlemore Hospital’s emergency department.
Around 30 general practices and 100 pharmacies are taking part in the initiative, after a successful start last weekend when more than 1,400 people accessed free GP care and hundreds more took advantage of free pain relief for children at pharmacies.
Counties Manukau District Health Board chief executive Dr Pete Watson said there have been a record number of presentations for at Middlemore for winter illnesses.
He says it’s better for the whole system if people can get care before their condition worsens and they end up in hospital.”
People are also encouraged to call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for information or advice on how to manage cold or flu symptoms.