Accidents and emergencies
Emergency - Life and death
Free phone 111 and ask for an ambulance.
Accident & Emergency - Serious health problem
Free phone 111 and ask for an ambulance.
Christchurch Public Hospital - Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department, Riccarton Avenue. Phone: (03) 364 0640 .
This is free, but you may have to wait a long time. You may receive quicker service at the 24 Hour Surgery.
24 hour emergency care is available from the 24 Hour Surgery (corner of Bealey Avenue and Colombo Street), phone (03) 365 7777 . There is a charge for all adults and those over the age of six.
To see a doctor (General Practitioner or GP) after normal working hours:
24 Hour Surgery (corner of Bealey Avenue and Colombo Street). Phone (03) 365 7777 . There is a charge for all adults and those over the age of six.
To see a doctor (GP) during normal working hours (8.30am-5pm):
You will need to phone first to make an appointment with your doctor (GP).
You need to enrol with a doctor (General Practitioner or GP) to receive subsidised health care. Look in the White Pages under Medical Clinics to find a doctor (GP) near you.
If you would like an interpreter at your consultation, ask for one when you make a booking. This is a free service to patients and doctors. You can choose which doctor to register with. You have the right to change your doctor. If you change your doctor you need to tell your new doctor about your previous doctor so your medical files can be transferred.
If you are unsure whether you need to see a doctor or not:
Free phone Healthline 0800 611 116 for free 24-hour health advice. You will be connected with a registered nurse who can help you decide what to do next.
Healthline will also link you with PlunketLine for Well Child advice on parenting and child health. This service is linked with Language Line - Push 2 and hold for registered nurse. Say 'Language Line' and the language you require - you will then be linked with an interpreter.
Important information about health services:
Doctors can set their own fees - there is no one set fee for visiting a doctor .
Children under 6 years old can visit the doctor for free at some medical centres.
To get medication prescribed to you by your doctor you will need to go to a pharmacy or chemist shop. Most items will cost you $3 each, but some will cost you more. Costs are less if you have a Community Services Card (contact Work & Income).
If your injury happened in New Zealand because of an accident, you may receive personal injury cover from the
Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC). This means your healthcare may be further subsidised or become free. ACC may also assist with interpreter costs. Go to the
ACC website for translated information in Pacific, Chinese and Korean languages.
If you have health insurance, some or all of your medical costs may be covered. You will be able to access Private Health Services and will likely have a shorter wait compared with using the Public Health Service.
To see a specialist at the hospital or in private practice, you will need to see your doctor first to obtain a referral. It may take weeks before you can get an appointment with a specialist. The specialist will assess you and send a letter to your doctor about a recommended course of action for your health needs.
There is a voluntary charge for an emergency call-out for an ambulance.
Christchurch Resettlement Services provides free resettlement services - social work, counselling, ongoing orientation/ESOL, youth work, and health promotion for refugees and migrants. The workers are multi-ethnic qualified professionals.
Level 1, 283 Lincoln Road, Addington. Phone: (03) 335 0311
Interpreters and Support
You are entitled to have an interpreter when visiting a doctor or specialist to help you understand what is happening. At the time you phone to make an appointment, request an interpreter be available when you see the doctor. Ask to speak with a practice nurse or community worker if you need more support when visiting a doctor.
Dental Care
Free dental care is available for anyone under 18 years old.
Free phone: 0800 487 3733 .
To find a dentist look in the Yellow Pages under Dentists.
For Emergency Dental Care contact Christchurch Hospital, phone (03) 364 0640 .
Mental Health Support
For support with Mental Health issues, you can ask your doctor to refer you to a specialist mental health service which helps people from refugee and migrant backgrounds.
For Emergency Mental Health Support free phone 0800 920 092 or (03) 364 0482 .
To talk with someone in confidence if you are feeling sad or worried, you can phone Chinese Lifeline, free phone 0800 888 880 .
If you are unhappy with the health service provided to you, contact your local Health and Disability Advocate. They can support you to make a complaint. Free phone 0800 11 22 33.
