Palmerston North Regional Hospital

20/08/2026

A new CT scanner facility is now open at Palmerston North Hospital.

The purpose-built facility houses two CT scanners, including an additional machine that will increase imaging capacity and support more timely diagnosis and treatment for patients.

The additional CT scanner will increase imaging capacity for the region, helping improve access to diagnostic imaging and support more timely diagnosis and treatment for patients.

The project is part of a broader programme of investment across the hospital campus, including the Emergency Department expansion, acute mental health unit and multiple resilience upgrades. Together, these improvements are strengthening services today while helping prepare Palmerston North Hospital for the wider redevelopment.

A huge thank you to the many clinical, operational, project and delivery teams whose expertise, collaboration and commitment helped bring these projects to life.

18/08/2026

😷 Wearing a surgical mask in patient-facing settings is an important measure to help reduce the risk of transmission, protect vulnerable patients and their whānau 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 and support the hauora 🌿 and wellbeing of our healthcare teams.

30/07/2026

Measles in Palmerston North

We are investigating a confirmed measles case in Palmerston North. The source of infection is currently unknown, which means there may be other cases in the community that have not yet been identified.

If you were in Wellington over the busy Matariki weekend (11-12 July), or have recently visited a listed location of interest, please keep an eye out for symptoms of measles.

Symptoms can include:

🤒 Fever
😷 Cough
👃 Runny nose
👀 Red eyes
🔴 A rash that starts on the face

If you've recently had these symptoms, even if you've already recovered, contact Healthline on 0800 611 116 or your usual healthcare provider.

The best protection against measles is 2 doses of the MMR vaccine.

📍 Check the latest locations of interest and find out what to do if you've been exposed: healthnz.govt.nz/health-topics/conditions-treatments/infectious-diseases/measles/locations-of-interest

14/07/2026

14/07/2026

Need healthcare but not sure where to start?
Here’s how to find the right care for you and your family/whānau:
Use 24/7 Online GP Care – Book same-day virtual appointments if you’re not enrolled with a GP or can’t wait. Visit healthnz.govt.nz/onlinegp
Go to a pharmacy – Help with coughs, colds, minor infections, emergency contraception and more.
Visit healthnz.govt.nz – Advice on self-care at home and when and where to seek help.
Call Healthline on 0800 611 116 – Free 24/7 advice from qualified nurses and paramedics.
Call Ka Ora if you live rurally – 0800 252 672 (0800 KA ORA).
Talk to your usual GP or nurse – Some clinics offer same-day appointments or phone or video call options for urgent issues.
Visit an after-hours or urgent medical centre – For non-life-threatening issues like cuts, sprains, and minor injuries. Find your closest one at healthpoint.co.nz.
In an emergency, call 111. This includes chest pain, breathing problems, choking, unconsciousness, severe bleeding, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), severe burns or severe pain.
Find what’s right for you: https://www.healthnz.govt.nz/.../which-health-serv

14/07/2026

Not every sniffle needs a cancellation 🤧
Moderate illness, like a cold, runny nose, or mild fever, is usually not a reason to delay childhood immunisations. If you're unsure, give your vaccinator a call before cancelling. Staying on schedule helps keep children protected from preventable diseases 💙

14/07/2026

🤓It can be difficult sometimes to get in to see your usual health care provider. Did you know that pharmacies can help with a lot of health concerns?
Some of the things they may be able to help with:
✅ Expert medication advice
✅ Emergency contraception
✅ Some immunisations
✅ Some urinary or eye infections
✅ Fixing up minor cuts
✅ Checking rashes
✅ Doing basic health checks
And more.
Find your closest one through healthpoint.co.nz.
Learn more about what pharmacists can help with at info.health.nz

14/07/2026

Feeling unwell or hurt and can't see your usual doctor?
The Emergency Department (ED) isn’t always the best place for every situation, but it’s exactly where to go in an emergency.
Swipe through to find the right care for you.
Links to all the services are in the first comment - save this for later

14/07/2026

ind the right care for you and your whānau and keep emergency departments for emergencies only:
✅ Online GP Care (24/7) - Book same-day appointments with NZ-qualified doctors if you’re not enrolled or can’t wait. Book via info.health.nz/onlineGP.
💊 Pharmacy - Great for coughs, colds, minor infections, emergency contraception, immunisations and more.
🏠 Self-care advice - Visit info.health.nz for trusted tips on managing symptoms at home.
📞 Healthline - Free 24/7 advice from qualified nurses and paramedics: 0800 611 116.
👩‍⚕️ Your usual GP or nurse - Many offer same-day appointments for urgent issues.
🌙 After-hours or urgent care clinic - For non-life-threatening issues like cuts, sprains or minor injuries.
📞 Ka Ora - Rural Telecare. After-hours help from a doctor or nurse: 0800 252 672.
🚨 Emergency? Call 111 - For chest pain, breathing problems, choking, unconsciousness, severe bleeding, severe allergy/anaphylaxis, severe burns, or severe pain.

13/07/2026

📢 Remember the online GP service is available 24/7
The online GP service offers you round-the-clock access to trusted medical care when your regular GP is unavailable, or you're not enrolled.
You can connect with NZ qualified, registered doctors and nurse practitioners who can assess, diagnose, treat, prescribe, and refer, all online.
The new service complements regular general practice and helps ease pressure on clinics. Subsidised fees are available for children under 14, young people aged 14 to 17, and Community Services Card holders.
Learn more and book at: info.health.nz/onlineGP