Sick or hurt and away from home? Healthline helps

Sick or hurt and away from home? Healthline can help – 0800 611 116

It's bad enough being sick or hurt, but when it happens away from home things can seem much worse. Where's the nearest afterhours clinic, how do you get a prescription filled, who can you turn to for advice about what to do next?

Kiwis heading away this Labour Weekend who find themselves in need of health advice, or information about local health services, can call Healthline on 0800 611 116.

Healthline Senior Nurse Advisor Janet Harp says Healthline is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by registered nurses.

"Illnesses and accidents are a fact of life and during holiday breaks they often happen miles from help or after hours when medical centres are closed. But wherever you are in the country, whatever time of the day or night, if there's telephone coverage, help is at hand. And calls to Healthline are free from landlines and mobile phones."

She says Healthline nurses can advise on the best thing to do and how urgently to do it.

"Depending on your health issue, this could be advice to see your GP or visit the emergency department immediately, or to see your GP within 24 hours.

"Up to 40 percent of callers are given information to manage the condition themselves at home, including things to try, and advice on what to watch out for. A small percentage of callers are put through to 111."

Janet Harp says Healthline nurses can also direct callers to the nearest GP clinic or afterhours pharmacy.

"Having that information just a phone call away can be invaluable when you’re in an unfamiliar part of the country."

For free confidential health advice from a registered nurse this Labour Weekend, or anytime, phone Healthline on 0800 611 116.

ENDS

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