Health NZ – Waitaha Canterbury

Health NZ – Waitaha Canterbury This is the official Health New Zealand- Waitaha Canterbury page to let you know what's happening

This Te Whatu Ora |Health NZ Waitaha Canterbury page is to assist staff and our community to keep in touch with each other and keep up to date. Please note this page is only monitored during working hours. It is not a page to make official complaints or booking medical appointments. Te Whatu Ora Waitaha has the right to remove any comments that are offensive or inaccurate.

🐰 Find the right care for you and your whānau during the holidays: Online GP Care (24/7) - Book same-day appointments wi...
02/04/2026

🐰 Find the right care for you and your whānau during the holidays:
Online GP Care (24/7) - Book same-day appointments with NZ-qualified doctors if you can’t see your usual GP or you don’t have one. Book via http://spr.ly/6187B6onzN
Pharmacy - Great for coughs, colds, minor infections, emergency contraception, immunisations and more.
Self-care advice - Visit http://spr.ly/6180B6onzA 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 – check their opening hours. Some may offer video or phone appointments if you’re away.
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. Please keep ED for emergencies only.
Find the right healthcare: http://spr.ly/6185B6onMB

This year, Christchurch Women’s Hospital was honoured to be part of The Big Latch On 2026, a kaupapa that began here in ...
01/04/2026

This year, Christchurch Women’s Hospital was honoured to be part of The Big Latch On 2026, a kaupapa that began here in Aotearoa and continues to champion the protection, promotion, and support of breastfeeding in our communities. Women’s Health Action describes the Big Latch On as creating safe, accepting spaces for whānau to connect and receive support, and that really was the spirit of the event.

Despite the weather, the morning offered something special: a warm, intimate space for connection, encouragement, and visible support for breastfeeding.

We were grateful to welcome 25 attendees, including 6 breastfeeding mums, 4 who latched their babies on during the event, 1 medical house officer who expressed milk on her break, and 1 mum and baby who came along seeking community connection.

A heartfelt thank you to our guest speakers Kate Bird, Hollie Morrison, and Ina Mae McCormick for sharing your time, stories, and heart. And thank you to everyone who came along; to feed, to pump, to listen, to connect, and to simply be present.

Let’s keep supporting breastfeeding in all spaces; in hospitals, workplaces, homes, and communities so whānau feel safe, encouraged, and able to meet their feeding goals. If you’d like to support this kaupapa, keep showing up for breastfeeding families in the everyday moments that matter.

Winter is approaching. Protect yourself and your family. Flu vaccines are available starting today, 1 April, to safeguar...
31/03/2026

Winter is approaching. Protect yourself and your family.

Flu vaccines are available starting today, 1 April, to safeguard you and your community this winter.

Alongside flu, Covid, and whooping cough also spread more easily in colder months. Immunisation effectively reduces severe illness, hospitalisation, and the spread of winter viruses.

✅ Flu vaccines available now
✅ Covid vaccines year-round; ensure you’re up-to-date before winter
✅ Free vaccines for those aged 65+, anyone who is pregnant, and people with certain health conditions.

👶 Protect pēpi this winter
Whooping cough (pertussis) can be serious for babies. Pregnant women should get immunised to pass some immunity to newborns until they receive their own immunisations at 6 weeks. (Ensure baby's immunisations are timely!)

You can book vaccines at many pharmacies, GPs, Hauora Māori, and Pacific health providers, as well as some midwives and community vaccinators.

📅 Book your vaccination online at 👉 bookmyvaccine.health.nz

In addition to vaccination, prevent winter illness by staying home if unwell, washing hands frequently, and practicing good hygiene.

25/03/2026

Rainbow Ride is Back for Pride 2026! Join fellow Cantabrians as they form a single rainbow snake biking through Ōtautahi in celebration of diversity, fitness, sustainability in the bike-friendly city.

For more information 👇

🤱 Christchurch Women’s Hospital proudly hosting The Big Latch On 2026This relaxed, welcoming event celebrates breastfeed...
22/03/2026

🤱 Christchurch Women’s Hospital proudly hosting The Big Latch On 2026
This relaxed, welcoming event celebrates breastfeeding and chestfeeding while bringing parents together to connect and support each other.
Whether you’re feeding a newborn, navigating the early weeks, or on a longer feeding journey, you’re welcome here. All feeding journeys are valid, including pumping, donor milk, and combination feeding.
📍 Waipapa entrance, Christchurch Hospital, 2 Riccarton Ave
Friday 27 March, 10am
Bring your pēpi, your support person, and your feeding story.
We look forward to seeing you there!

️❗️Health Warning Lifted❗️Health NZ has lifted its harmful algal bloom health warning issued for the Selwyn River | Waik...
20/03/2026

️❗️Health Warning Lifted❗️

Health NZ has lifted its harmful algal bloom health warning issued for the Selwyn River | Waikirikiri at Whitecliffs and Glentunnel.

Recent cyanobacteria surveys of the Selwyn River | Waikirikiri at Whitecliffs and Glentunnel have shown the cover of potentially toxic harmful algae (benthic cyanobacteria) has reduced and is now below levels that are of concern to public health.

Dr Annabel Begg, Medical Officer of Health for the National Public Health Service, says Environment Canterbury’s monitoring of Selwyn River | Waikirikiri will resume in November when there is increased likelihood of cyanobacteria growth.

For more information 👉 http://spr.ly/6187B6XMjv

❗️Health Warning❗️ Health NZ has issued a health warning for Ōpihi River at SH1 Bridge.The warning follows finding moder...
20/03/2026

❗️Health Warning❗️

Health NZ has issued a health warning for Ōpihi River at SH1 Bridge.

The warning follows finding moderate to high cover of potentially toxic harmful algae (benthic cyanobacteria) in the Ōpihi River at SH1 Bridge.

People should avoid the area and animals, particularly dogs, should not be allowed near the water until the health warning has been lifted.

There are also other access points along the Ōpihi River that may have benthic cyanobacteria present. People are advised to treat every low-flowing river cautiously, check for the presence of benthic cyanobacteria and avoid contact with the water.

Dr Annabel Begg, Medical Officer of Health for the National Public Health Service, says the algae looks like dark brown to black mats and can produce toxins harmful to people and animals.

“Exposure may cause skin rashes, nausea, stomach cramps, tingling and numbness around the mouth and fingertips,” she says.

“If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical advice urgently and let your healthcare provider know you’ve had contact with dark brown/black algal mats or water in this area,” Dr Begg says.

Environment Canterbury will continue to monitor the site and the public will be advised of any changes in water quality that are of public health significance.

For more info 👉 http://spr.ly/6181B6XDkN

Health New Zealand has launched a two‑year pilot at Canterbury Health Laboratories to explore how genomic testing can su...
19/03/2026

Health New Zealand has launched a two‑year pilot at Canterbury Health Laboratories to explore how genomic testing can support faster, more accurate diagnosis for people with cancer and rare disorders.
With support from Illumina’s sequencing technology, the pilot programme will help build local capability, reduce reliance on overseas testing, and guide future decisions about a national genomics service.
The pilot's announcement during Rare Disorders Month (March), highlights the importance of timely diagnosis and improved care for those living with rare conditions.

Photo caption: Health Minister Simeon Brown along with Health New Zealand and Illumina representatives at the Canterbury Health Laboratories

Hospital Equipment Amnesty Were you discharged from the hospital with a Walking frame, Elbow crutches, Bed lever or any ...
18/03/2026

Hospital Equipment Amnesty
Were you discharged from the hospital with a Walking frame, Elbow crutches, Bed lever or any other equipment that you no longer need?
Please return your equipment as soon as you no longer need it.
You can drop it off at any of the following locations:
📍 Hospital Supply Department – 4 Rapide Way, Yaldhurst
Mon–Fri, 7:30am–5:00pm
📍 Rangiora Health Hub – 161 Ashley Street, Rangiora
📍 Christchurch Hospital – 2 Riccarton Avenue, Christchurch Central
Lower Ground Carpark, Waipapa Building
📍 Burwood Hospital – 300 Burwood Road, Burwood
Mon–Fri, 8:00am–4:30pm (Physical Medicine Building, Gate 3)
After Hours: Main Reception, Gate 1

If you're unable to return the equipment yourself, please call 03 364 0700 and we’ll work with you to find a solution.

️❗️Health Warning Lifted❗️Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora has lifted its health warning at Ashley River | Rakahuri at ...
17/03/2026

️❗️Health Warning Lifted❗️

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora has lifted its health warning at Ashley River | Rakahuri at SH1.

Latest water testing results show faecal bacteria levels at this site are now below guideline values and the health warning has been removed with the water at this site now suitable for recreational use.

Dr Annabel Begg, Medical Officer of Health for the National Public Health Service, says: “This is great news for swimmers and other recreational water users who would have been avoiding the water following the high levels of contamination.”

For more info 👉http://spr.ly/6180B6R36e

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