Healthcare Assistance in Ōtautahi Christchurch
Caring for your physical health is the foundation of overall wellbeing. The resources below are designed to assure your immediate and longer-term health needs are being met.
Urgent Assistance
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 111. Please note that the Emergency Department at Christchurch Hospital is intended for urgent and life-threatening medical situations only, rather than routine or non-urgent healthcare needs. If your condition is not considered an emergency, you may experience a significant wait time.
Signs of a medical emergency may include chest pain or tightness, difficulty breathing, choking, severe or uncontrolled bleeding, sudden weakness, trouble speaking, or loss of consciousness.
If you are unsure how serious your symptoms are, you can contact Healthline anytime on 0800 611 116 for free medical advice. A health support worker can help assess your situation, guide you on the next steps, and, if appropriate, notify your regular medical practice for follow-up during opening hours.
If in doubt – don’t hesitate and call 111.
Other options if seeking immediate assistance include the following, which will include a cost:
Pegasus 24 Hour Surgery
401 Madras Street (entrance on the left just before Bealey Avenue)
Phone: 03 365 7777
Monitor current waiting times here: pegasus.health.nz/wait-time-dashboard
Web: 24 Hour Surgery | Pegasus Health
Riccarton Clinic
Open 8am to 8pm every day
4 Yaldhurst Road, Church Corner, Upper Riccarton
Phone: 03 343 3661
Web: Riccarton Clinic
Enrolling with a General Practitioner
Most healthcare starts with a GP/family doctor. You can search local clinics taking new patients, along with other health services, via Healthpoint. If you cannot physically get to a clinic, you can book a virtual GP appointment through Practice Plus.
Tautoko Hauora
If you need assistance to enrol with a Pegasus medical centre, or if you are enrolled with Pegasus but need support getting your health needs met, Tautoko Hauora may be able to assist. To access this service, you will need a community services card or a Work and Income client number.
Phone: 0800 99 22 99
Email: tautokohauora@pegasus.health.nz
Web: Tautoko Hauora | Pegasus Health – You can access the self-referral form on this page
Other Health and Medical Resources
Canterbury Charity Hospital Trust
This hospital provides free surgical, dental, counselling, and specialist outpatient care to people who cannot access treatment in the public system and cannot afford private care. They have very specific financial and clinical criteria that you should first discuss with your primary medical team.
Address: 349 Harewood Road, Bishopdale
Phone: 03 360 2266
Email: reception@ccht.org.nz
Health and Disability Advocacy Service
This free and confidential nationwide service if for those with a complaint about a health and/or disability service provider. This can include mental health services, hospital or rest home care, doctors, and dentists. Your advocate will help you understand your rights and attempt to resolve issues regarding the quality of any health or disability service you have accessed.
Phone: 0800 555 050
Email: advocacy@advocacy.org.nz
Web: www.advocacy.org.nz
Rongoā Māori
Rongoā is traditional Māori healing combining herbal remedies, physical therapies, and spiritual healing. Funding for rongoā can be accessed via ACC and Veterans Affairs. There are many rongoā practitioners throughout Canterbury and listed via Healthpoint.
Dental Care
17 and Under
Basic dental care is completely free for eligible children from birth until one’s 18th birthday. The full range of support in Canterbury for pepi, tamariki, and rangatahi is available here: Community dental service — Canterbury and South Canterbury.
18 and Over
Most adults must fund their own dental care, but if you are on a low income or have a disability, you may be eligible for funding support. Along with the Charity Hospital above, consider the following resources.
Work and Income: Pending an eligibility assessment, WINZ may be able to help you pay for essential dental treatment such as fillings and extractions. They cannot assist with regular hygiene appointments and dental exams.
Te Whatu Ora: Health New Zealand may be able to assist disabled people or people with medical conditions such as mouth cancer with dental treatments through their usual provider. People on low incomes who have a Community Services Card may be able to get emergency dental care, such as pain relief or extractions.
ACC: If you incurred a dental injury through an accident, sporting injury, or as a result of another medical or dental treatment, ACC may be able to cover costs.
The Loft Can Help
Ready to take the next step? Chat with a Loft Connector to explore the health services above and get support finding the right fit for you. We’ll listen, understand what matters most to you, and work alongside you to create a plan that keeps your wellbeing front and centre. You can reach out here.