If you get sick, free medical advice is available 24/7, 365 days a year, through Healthline on 0800 611 116. If you’re not sure what to do or where you can get in-person health care at this time of year, Healthline can advise what services are open wherever you are in the country.

If you or someone in your whānau needs to see a doctor, contact your local healthcare provider to arrange an appointment. Also contact or visit your local community pharmacy to ask for advice. Please bear in mind that their opening hours may differ from their normal hours over the Christmas holiday period.

See www.healthpoint.co.nz for details of services open across the motu over summer.

• For children/tamariki under five, call Plunketline on 0800 933 922 for free health advice 24/7, 365 days a year.
• A new rural health after-hours telehealth service is now available. Eligible rural communities can access the service by calling 0800 2KA ORA (0800 252 672.
• For a sports injury you can go straight to a physiotherapist or sports injury clinic. They can arrange x-rays and treatment, register an ACC claim or refer you to a specialist.
• You can book a virtual on-line consultation with a GP with a New Zealand-based provider. You can find out more about virtual consultations at Healthinfo or Healthify.
• In an emergency dial 111.
• If you are away from home, or an international traveller, you can contact a doctor or medical centre in the local area where you are staying but you may need to pay for advice and care.
• General online health information and self-help resources can be found at healthify.nz
• Te Whatu Ora hospitals across the motu will continue to provide critical and emergency care 24/7 as they have always done over the Christmas period.
• Hospital emergency departments and many urgent care clinics remain open – so if it’s an emergency, always call 111 or go to the emergency department if you are seriously unwell or if it’s a life-threatening emergency.