The urgent care clinic at Porirua's Kenepuru Hospital was without a doctor overnight (file image). Photo: Google Maps
The urgent care clinic at Porirua's Kenepuru Hospital was without a doctor overnight due to what Health NZ has called "unforeseen circumstances".
The agency posted on social media that there was no doctor at the accident and medical clinic between 10.30pm on Sunday and 7am on Monday.
"During this time, nurses will assess whether patients are safe to wait until the following morning, when they can see a GP or return to the Kenepuru Accident & Medical Clinic, or if they need to go to ED," it said.
"If you need emergency care, please visit Wellington Regional Hospital ED or the Hutt Hospital ED as you normally would."
Were you affected? Get in touch: lauren.crimp@rnz.co.nz
A Health NZ spokesperson said the rostered doctor called in sick at late notice, and given the time of year, they could not find anyone else to cover the shift.
The last time there was no doctor working overnight in the department was 18 months ago, they said.
The spokesperson said there was no noticeable increase in the number of people at Wellington Hospital's emergency department overnight
Kenepuru Hospital services about 120,000 people in Porirua, Tawa, and the Kāpiti Coast.
In 2024, Health NZ signed a contract with telehealth company Emergency Consult to provide advice overnight if there was no doctor on site.
The agency said telehealth was optional for patients, and would only be offered in the accident and medical clinic if it was clinically appropriate.
The community rallied against the changes, telling a Labour Party-run public meeting that they needed a 24-hour service.
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