Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton is reporting a positive trend: more New Zealanders are utilising their local health centres for medical care. This shift aligns with the government’s policy of strengthening primary healthcare and empowering communities to manage their health needs closer to home.

“We’re seeing a real change in behaviour, which is fantastic,” Dr. Tufton stated. “Our ongoing focus is to ensure that community health centres are the first port of call for many New Zealanders seeking medical attention. They offer a vital service, providing accessible and affordable care right where people live.”

Why the Shift?

Several factors are contributing to this increase in visits. The government has invested significantly in upgrading facilities and expanding the range of services offered at health centres. This includes increased staffing levels, extended opening hours, and a greater focus on preventative care, such as health screenings and immunisations. The emphasis on early intervention aims to identify and address health concerns before they escalate, ultimately reducing the need for more complex and costly treatments down the line.

Furthermore, public awareness campaigns have played a key role in educating Kiwis about the benefits of utilising their local health centres. These campaigns highlight the convenience, affordability, and personalised care available, encouraging people to choose community-based services over visiting hospitals for minor ailments.

What Services are Offered?

Community health centres provide a broad spectrum of services, including:

• General medical consultations
• Chronic disease management (diabetes, asthma, heart disease)
• Immunisations for all ages
• Health screenings (blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes)
• Family planning services
• Mental health support
• Health education and advice

Many health centres also offer specialised services, such as physiotherapy, podiatry, and social work support, further enhancing their role as comprehensive healthcare hubs.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening Primary Care

The Ministry of Health is committed to building on this momentum and further strengthening primary healthcare across the country. Future plans include:

• Increased funding for health centres to expand services and improve facilities
• Supporting innovation in healthcare delivery, such as telehealth and mobile health clinics
• Working with health professionals to enhance the skills and expertise of primary care teams
• Promoting collaboration between health centres, hospitals, and other healthcare providers

“This is about creating a healthcare system that is accessible, affordable, and responsive to the needs of all New Zealanders,” concluded Dr. Tufton. “By prioritising primary care and empowering communities, we can improve the health and wellbeing of our nation.”

Find Your Local Health Centre: To find your nearest community health centre, visit the Healthpoint website: https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/