People in Kāpiti will continue to have access to quality after-hours healthcare close to home following an announcement from Capital & Coast DHB.
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 Kāpiti 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.”