Ka Ora
West Coast Primary Care Practices are closed at night and on the weekend. You can access care at night-time or on the weekend by accessing Ka Ora Telecare. Telecare means the service is provided via the phone or internet.
Ka Ora Telecare provides people living in rural areas with a quick and easy solution to connect with a healthcare professional for after-hours medical advice and treatment.
How does it work?
The service is open 5pm to 8am (evening and overnight) on Weekdays, and 24 hours on Weekends and Public Holidays. You can connect with the Ka Ora Telecare team by:
Calling 0800 2 KA ORA (0800 252 672)
You will first be greeted by a Kaiāwhina or a Nurse. The team will assess your health needs, and you can either see a Clinician directly or you may also choose to schedule an appointment later in the evening.
Booking an Appointment online through the Ka Ora Telecare Website.
Available from 5pm to 10pm weekdays and 8am to 10pm weekends and public holidays. By booking an appointment, you will have a specific appointment time to connect directly with the medical team over phone or video.
If you need an urgent appointment after 10pm, please call 0800 2 KA ORA to connect with the overnight team.
How much does it cost?
Kaiāwhina assessment and advice - FREE
Nurse assessment and advice - FREE
GP consultation Under 14s - FREE
GP consultation Over 65s - $19.50
GP consultation Community services card - $19.50
GP consultation adults 14 - 65 years - $50
FAQs
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Can I use Ka Ora as my main primary care service?
Learn MoreNo, Ka Ora is for urgent, afterhours care only. You still need to see your regular doctor or nurse for routine care.
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Are you going to check if there are any problems with the new service?
Learn MoreWest Coast Health will hold monthly review meetings with Ka Ora, representatives from Te Whatu Ora’s emergency care services, and practice representatives. We will review the data and qualitative feedback we will collect as part of this implementation process. We will make adjustments to the service depending on the data and qualitative feedback.
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Is Ka Ora only for people who are enrolled with a Practice on the West Coast?
Learn MoreKa Ora is available to be people who are enrolled with a Practice on the West Coast and also for people who live in a rural area or are visiting a rural area (no matter where you are enrolled).
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I can’t get a normal appointment with my regular GP during the day. Can I ring Ka Ora during the day?
Learn MoreKa Ora is open from 5 pm to 8 am each day. It is open 24 hours a day on weekends and public holidays.
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Should I use Ka Ora in an emergency?
Learn MoreIf you are experiencing chest pains, head injuries, beathing difficulties or severe bleeding, dial 111 straight away.
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Is there a free alternative to Ka Ora?
Learn MoreIf you are not sure if you need to see a GP then you can ring Healthline on 0800 611 116. Healthline is a free service that provides 24/7 advice on health issues and they can advise you if you need to see a doctor. Plunketline is also available 24/7 on 0800 933 922 for free advice on your tamariki’s health and wellbeing.
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Will my normal doctor or nurse know if I have used Ka Ora?
Learn MoreYes, Ka Ora will send a record of their interactions with you to your normal practice so it can be added to your patient file.
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What happens if Ka Ora prescribes me a medication – how do I get it?
Learn MoreYou will need to go to your local pharmacy to pick up your medication. If your local pharmacy is closed the Ka Ora clinician will be able to tell you how to obtain your medication.
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What if I need to see a doctor in person?
Learn MoreThe Ka Ora clinician will let you know if you need to see a doctor in person and where you can go to see one.
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Will I be charged twice if the Ka Ora doctor says I need to be seen in person?
Learn MoreNo. You will not be charged by Ka Ora if you are told you need to be seen in person. You will not be charged twice.
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Will my medic alarm still work?
Learn MoreYes. This change will not impact the function of your medic alarm.