Unsure what health service you need or where to go? Knowing where to get help when you are sick or injured can be important for your and your whānau.
Medical emergencies
In a medical emergency, dial 111 for an ambulance. Find out more about what to expect when you make the call.
A medical emergency includes chest pain or tightness, difficulty breathing, choking, severe bleeding or bleeding that won’t stop, sudden weakness, difficulty talking, fainting or unconsciousness.
Mental health emergencies
If you feel you or someone else is at risk or harm - phone 111 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department (ED).
For urgent mental health support phone emergency psychiatric services on 0800 46 78 46.
Need to talk now? Connect with a professional counsellor free call or text 1737.
Or find out more about the mental health support and services available in the Southern district.
After hours care
If your General Practitioner (GP) is not available, you can go to your nearest After Hours & Emergency department or Accident and Medical (A&M) clinic. Search for urgent or after hours care here.
Non-urgent medical care
If you are unwell and it is not an emergency you should contact your general practice (GP).
Fees are lower if you are enrolled with a practice. Find out more about the role of your General Practitioner (GP) within the New Zealand and Southern Health System. Find a general practice (GP) near you
Free phone services
You can call Healthline 0800 611 116 for free health advice from trained registered nurses. Or select one of the other Homecare medical telehealth services. The services are free of charge to users and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Other free phone services
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Plunketline – 0800 933 922
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Family Violence Information Line - 0800 456 450
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The Safe to Talk helpline 0800 044 334, text 4334
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National Poisons Centre on 0800 764 766, or 0800 POISON
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Youthline 0800 376 633 | Free text 234
Where can I find trusted information about a medication or health condition or concern?
We recommend the Health Navigator website for links to reliable, trustworthy information and self-care resources regarding medications, procedures and health conditions or concerns.
Still unsure where to go?
Call Healthline for free health advice from registered nurses on 0800 611 116.