Accident & HealthCare is now open from 7am to 10pm every day

People across the Western Bay of Plenty can now get urgent care earlier in the morning and later into the evening. From today, Wednesday 11 November, Accident & HealthCare at 19 Second Avenue, Tauranga, is open 7am to 10pm every day, instead of 8am to 8pm.

This responds to a long-standing need for longer hours, with evening demand often running past 8pm. Accident & HealthCare and Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation (WBOPPHO) have worked together to make this possible, with support from Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand.

“We’ve seen the need for longer hours in our community for some time,” says Callum Gilbert, Business Manager at Accident & HealthCare. “These hours are a real step forward, and we’re pleased to have them in place ahead of summer.”

What to expect in the evening

To keep patients and staff safe, the team will manage the queue through the evening so the clinic can close on time. Anyone still waiting at closing will be advised by the medical team on the right next step to meet their health need, which may include being redirected to alternative healthcare services or returning the following day.

“We know you can’t always plan when you’ll need urgent care,” says Gilbert. “Evenings are always busy, so if you’re able to come earlier, you’ll have the best chance of being seen that night.”

Your general practice is still the first place to go

“We’re pleased to have worked alongside Accident & HealthCare to make this happen,” says Wendy Dillon, General Manager primary care at WBOPPHO.

“Your own general practice is still the best place for ongoing care. When it’s closed, telehealth can also help if you don’t need to be seen in person, and your local pharmacist can help with minor concerns. If you’re not sure where to go, Healthline gives free advice any time, day or night.”

Where to get care

• Emergency (critical or life-threatening): call 111 or go to Tauranga Hospital Emergency Department, 829 Cameron Road, open 24 hours.
• Urgent but not life-threatening: Accident & HealthCare, 19 Second Avenue, Tauranga. Open 7am to 10pm every day, including public holidays. No appointment needed, and children under 14 are seen free.
• Don’t need to be seen in person: book a phone or video appointment with Practice Plus on 0800 7722 7587 or at practiceplus.nz, or find more options at healthnz.govt.nz/OnlineGP.
• Not sure what to do: call Healthline free on 0800 611 116, 24 hours a day. For tamariki, call PlunketLine on 0800 933 922.
• Minor concerns: your local pharmacist can help with things like rashes, colds and eye infections.