Hato Hone St John Welcomes Government Investment In Urgent And Rural Healthcare

Hato Hone St John welcomes the Government’s $164 million investment over four years to improve access to urgent and after-hours healthcare services across Aotearoa New Zealand.

The announcement by Health Minister Simeon Brown, which includes the establishment of 24-hour urgent care clinics in Counties Manukau, Whangārei, Palmerston North, Tauranga, and Dunedin, is a positive and timely step towards all New Zealanders having access to timely, quality healthcare improving health outcomes and reducing pressure on emergency departments.

“We are pleased to see this targeted investment in urgent and rural healthcare, especially the commitment to round-the-clock services and support in both urban and remote areas,” says Dr Damian Tomic, Deputy Chief Executive, Clinical Services – Hato Hone St John. “This aligns closely with our mission to support the health and wellbeing of all New Zealanders, wherever they live.”

Hato Hone St John has long advocated for improved access to urgent care, particularly in rural communities where healthcare options can be limited and response times longer. The Government’s commitment to ensuring 98 percent of New Zealanders are within an hour’s drive of in-person urgent care is a meaningful advancement.

“As the country’s primary ambulance service and a key partner in emergency and urgent care, we see first-hand the impact of limited after-hours services in some regions,” Dr Tomic says. “Expanding access to community-based urgent care will help ease the burden on ambulance services and hospital emergency departments, while also improving patient experience and outcomes.”

The funding, which also covers maintaining existing urgent and after-hours services and enhancing support in rural and remote communities, will complement Hato Hone St John’s work in delivering timely care and emergency support.

“We look forward to working with government, health agencies and community providers to ensure this investment delivers tangible benefits to those who need it most,” Dr Tomic says. “Together, we can create a more connected, resilient and equitable urgent care system.”

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