24 March 2017
Porirua after-hours GP clinic to remain open
People in Porirua and Kapiti will continue to have access to quality after-hours healthcare close to home.
Last year, Capital & Coast DHB began talking to the community – including local health providers, and staff – about how to better deliver
after-hours services.
This is because of ongoing challenges staffing the Kenepuru Accident & Medical Clinic overnight.
Executive director strategy, innovation and performance Rachel Haggerty says – there is no plan to close the clinic –
but we do need a better way of providing services so residents have reliable access to after-hours care.
“We gained valuable insights from those conversations, and have listened to the community’s concerns,” she said.
“We will increase staff numbers on the afternoon to 11pm shift, so people aren’t waiting into the early morning to be
seen. Overnight, we’ll still have a service available – however emergencies continue to be seen at the Wellington
Regional Hospital emergency department.”
The DHB, in partnership with primary health organisations, is also working to help GPs extend their hours to better
reflect their patients’ lifestyles.
“We want to strengthen our relationships with the Porirua and Kapiti communities and the healthcare providers working
within them.
“We understand how important it is for people to have continued access overnight healthcare close to where they live,
and we’re committed to this.”
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