Health Minister Simeon Brown has confirmed the Government's investment in an improved overnight urgent care service for the Napier community.
The enhanced service, set to be delivered from Napier Health at 76 Wellesley Road, will provide comprehensive care including access to nurse prescribers and overnight medical support via telehealth. This is a significant improvement on the existing service, which will retain its nurse-provided walk-in service but now include an additional nurse with prescribing powers and an overnight telehealth medical service.
Urgent care supports patients with non-life-threatening illnesses who need immediate attention. The enhanced service aims to provide timely and quality care to Napier residents, strengthening their access to medical professionals 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As part of the service, nurses will be able to connect directly with doctors overnight or schedule virtual appointments for later.
The investment follows significant consultation on how to deliver a better patient experience. Health Minister Simeon Brown has thanked everyone who advocated for the retention of this service, including local MP Katie Nimon. Future options are also being considered to supplement the service, such as an on-call clinical pharmacist.