Our Emergency department is open 24 hours for emergencies and acute presentations. Patients are triaged on arrival by a Registered Nurse (given a waiting time category - see below).

The length of wait depends on how urgent your problem is - people with more serious problems have priority over people with less urgent conditions. Patients with minor illnesses or injuries may need to wait or could be directed to their GP or After Hours GP Service.

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In an average day we see 20 patients in our Emergency Department.  Patients are assessed and treated by our friendly team of Registered Nurses and Doctors who work closely together in a supportive environment. If specialist intervention is required patients are transferred to Southland Hospital or Dunedin Hospital.

We have a modern HDU (High Dependency unit) unit for severe trauma and critically ill patients.  The unit has full resuscitation facilities and patients can be stabilised in this unit and are often transferred to the ward or to another hospital for specialist intervention. Acute orthopaedic, soft tissue and other injuries may also be referred to Southland Hospital for specialist follow up.

TELEPHONE TRIAGE

Telephone advice is available 24 hours a day from either our Emergency Department  Registered  Nurse,  or  from  the  National  Healthline  service  on

0800 611 116. 

If you require urgent medical attention do not hesitate to call an ambulance Dial 111 or come to the Emergency Department immediately.

To contact Emergency Dept phone: 03 2093021

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