Three million calls to Healthline

Three million calls to Healthline

Media release – 20 May 2013

The free health information and advice phone service Healthline – 0800 611 116 – has just chalked up its three millionth call.

Healthline nurse Robyn, who took the call on Wednesday 15 May, says she knew the special call was coming up but didn’t expect she’d be lucky enough to take it.

“I was stoked! It was such a buzz to get the three millionth call, and the caller was such a lovely lady.”

Robyn has been with Healthline for five and a half years, and says she loves the work. “But taking that call was definitely a highlight!” Robyn, who is based in Waipu in Northland is one of many Healthline nurses who works from her own home.

On the line was Esme from Canterbury. Esme says she uses Healthline quite frequently, particularly at weekends or at night.

“The Healthline staff are always so reassuring and thorough with their advice. I never feel like I have wasted their time by calling. For me it is an invaluable service, and I was thrilled to be the three millionth caller!”

Healthline is funded by the Ministry of Health and provided by Medibank Health Solutions New Zealand Ltd in association with St John. Medibank New Zealand General Manager Andrea Pettett says receiving the three millionth call was a big moment for the organisation.

“It’s very humbling to see how popular Healthline remains with New Zealanders. We get many comments from people about how valuable it is to have a voice on the end of the line to give health advice at any time of the day or night.”

She says in the three months to 31 March 2013, Healthline answered nearly 95,000 calls.

“Most calls were outside business hours, with weekends and Mondays the busiest times. Nationally, Healthline is used by 9.3 percent of the population.

“Healthline’s team of experienced registered nurses provide confidential health advice. Calls are free from both landlines and cellphones.

“Callers are advised of a timeframe in which to see a doctor or other health provider or given health advice on managing their situation at home.”

For the January to March 2013 quarter, the most common reasons for calls included vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and colds for children and chest or abdominal pain in adults.

ENDS

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