Health NZ - South Canterbury

Health NZ - South Canterbury Enhancing the health and independence of the people of South Canterbury.

Extra protection for our littlest: Free flu vaccines now available for under 5sFrom today, all children aged 6 months up...
01/09/2026

Extra protection for our littlest: Free flu vaccines now available for under 5s

From today, all children aged 6 months up to their fifth birthday can get a free influenza (flu) vaccine.

This change comes as flu continues to cause high rates of illness and hospitalisations in young children this season, with children under five experiencing some of the highest rates of flu-related hospital care.

The flu season started later than usual and is expected to continue, so it's not too late to get vaccinated. The current flu vaccine is also a good match for the flu virus circulating most widely this year.

✅ Free for all children aged 6 months to under 5 years, pregnant women, and people aged 65+
✅ Helps protect against serious illness
✅ Helps protect your family and community.

The flu vaccine is also free for many people with certain medical conditions.

Book at bookmyvaccine.nz or contact your GP, pharmacy, Hauora Māori provider, Pacific health provider, or local immunisation clinic. Many providers also offer walk-in appointments.

30/08/2026

Flu just won't give up this winter! 🦠

And it's not too late to get protected. 🛡️

Immunisation can still help reduce your risk of serious illness as we head into spring. If you've already had one type of flu this season, vaccination may still be worthwhile, as it helps protect against multiple flu strains. It could help you avoid a second round!

Good news - your local pharmacy may be able to vaccinate you, often without an appointment. Many pharmacies offer convenient walk-in flu vaccination services and can help check whether you're up-to-date with other recommended vaccinations.

Have a chat with your local pharmacist today and find your nearest pharmacy on healthpoint.co.nz.

26/08/2026

The flu vaccine does more than help protect against flu.

Research shows it may also help reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. If you haven't had your flu vaccination yet, it's not too late. 💙

Getting vaccinated is easy. Talk to your usual GP clinic, Hauora Māori or Pacific health provider, or local pharmacist. You can also book through bookmyvaccine.nz. Sorted!

20/08/2026

It's now FREE to book a video appointment with a NZ qualified Online GP for children under 14. Book via healthnz.govt.nz/OnlineGP and check out this video explanation about Online GP from one of our wonderful Community Paediatric Clinical Nurse Specialists.

We're saying goodbye to paper notes for patients in Timaru Hospital. When you next visit, you may notice our nurses, jun...
20/08/2026

We're saying goodbye to paper notes for patients in Timaru Hospital. When you next visit, you may notice our nurses, junior and senior doctors all walking around with ipads in their hands. It's because we're now paperless note-taking.

So many extra benefits, from clinical staff having access to lab results and other tests in real time, an entire care team being able to see patient information at once, instead of waiting until they have paper notes in front of them, and clinicians being able to update care plans and other clinical notes at the patient's bedside.

The platform is called Cortex. It was developed right here in the South Island. It is in use in Christchurch and Ashburton, and there are plans to eventually roll it out across the rest of Te Waipounamu.

Over the last week, our implementation team has spent a lot of time in the hospital getting everyone onboarded. This follows over six months of preparatory work by numerous teams to ensure the hospital's operational readiness to incorporate the new digital tool.

Patients will benefit from quicker bedside decisions, shorter hospital stays, and fewer complications, with all their information instantly available to everyone in their care team.

Today, Thank an Orderly Day, is a chance to show our appreciation for our wonderful orderlies who help keep our hospital...
19/08/2026

Today, Thank an Orderly Day, is a chance to show our appreciation for our wonderful orderlies who help keep our hospitals running 👏

From helping patients get from one part of the hospital to another, to bringing vital medical equipment to staff, and walking up to 30,000 steps a day while they're at it - our orderlies are an integral support system for our hospitals.

This Thank an Orderly Day, we extend our thanks to our orderlies for their dedication to being there for our patients on some of their hardest days, and for their endless support of our hospital staff 🫂

Tell us in the comments, is there a time you’d like to thank our orderlies for? 🫶

19/08/2026

Need care, but it's not an emergency?

If your health concern isn't life-threatening, there may be options that can help you get advice or treatment sooner than waiting in the Emergency Department (ED).

✅ Your GP or practice nurse
✅ Online GP (free for children under 14, subsidised for adults with a Community Services Card)
✅ Urgent care clinics
✅ Your local pharmacist, Some treatments are now funded through Extended Pharmacy Services for eligible people, at participating pharmacies
✅ Ka Ora Telecare for after-hours care in rural areas

Not sure where to start? Call Healthline on 0800 611 116. It's free, available 24/7, and can help guide you to the right service.

Learn more about your healthcare options at healthnz.govt.nz/GetHelp

In an emergency, always call 111 or go to the nearest Emergency Department.

Our friends at Menzshed, Grey Power, and Mitre 10 have joined together and left us a nice gift for patients and visitors...
18/08/2026

Our friends at Menzshed, Grey Power, and Mitre 10 have joined together and left us a nice gift for patients and visitors to Timaru Hospital. Solid macrocarpa seating now adorns the main entranceway to the hospital, alongside some matching planter boxes complete with a pair of dwarf magnolias and plantings.

All of this has been made possible by the Timaru Hospital Supporters Group who have done all the work coordinating and putting together this lovely community project.

From Left to Right: Mitre 10 garden presenter Liz Glasier, Menzshed Timaru member Don Colville, Menzshed Timaru Chairman Russ Prien, Health NZ South Canterbury Group Director of Operations Rachel Mills, Menzshed Timaru Secretary John Cook, and Grey Power Timaru President Janya Lobb.

18/08/2026

Need healthcare but not sure where to start?

If it's an emergency, the Emergency Department (ED) is the right place. But for many everyday health concerns, there may be other options that can help you sooner.

💻 Online GP (now FREE for under 14s)
📞 Healthline: 0800 611 116. There is a callback service if you don't want to wait on hold.
🏥 Urgent Care and After Hours clinics.
💊 Your local pharmacy. Under the Extended Pharmacy Service, some treatments are now free or lower cost. Call your local to find out.

ED teams prioritise the most seriously unwell patients first, so if your situation isn't an emergency, you may face a long wait.

Find the right care for your needs at healthnz.govt.nz/GetHelp

Feeling unwell or hurt and can't see your usual doctor? The Emergency Department (ED) isn’t always the best place for ev...
12/08/2026

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.

Visit healthnz.govt.nz/GetHelp to find the right healthcare for your specific needs.

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Cnr Queen & High Sts
Timaru City
7910

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+6436872100

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