Counties Manukau DHB is putting on free GP appointments this weekend and over the long weekend to combat the record numbers of patients presenting to the emergency department.
The winter surge of flu and COVID-19 has seen Middlemore Hospital struggling to cope with the influx of patients.
The hospital is under investigation after claims a patient left the Emergency Department due to long wait times, only to return three hours later following a life-threatening emergency.
The patient has since died in intensive care.
In a statement on Friday Counties Manukau DHB said "A range of General Practices in Counties Manukau will be providing addditional weekend clinics with free health consultations.
"In addition, all other weekend appointments at other General Practices in Counties Manukau will be free."
Flu has replaced COVID-19 as the main cause of respiratory-related hospitalisations across Auckland and Middlemore has been particularly hard hit.
Counties Manukau Chief Executive, Dr Pete Watson, said he is incredibly grateful for the increased support from General Practice, Urgent Care clinicians and pharmacists at such a challenging time.
“People in Counties Manukau have been particularly hard hit by winter illnesses this year, particularly flu.
“If you’re feeling unwell over the next couple of weekends, we encourage you to call Healthline or access one of these additional free clinics.
“We know many of those GPs and nurses who are putting their hands up to help over the next two weekends are already very busy with the winter surge, and we’re incredibly grateful for their support.”
Details of the clinics providing free appointments and extra support are available on the NRHCC website. The free appointments will apply from 5pm Friday 17 June through to 7am Monday 20 June, and 5pm Thursday 23 June through to 7am Monday 29 June.
These extra services will be in place for the next two weekends and will be monitored to see if further extension is required.
