West Coast Health

22/10/2025

The kindness and encouragement of the West Coast Health kaimahi (staff) made a big difference for Laureen on her health journey. 💚

"I was under the care of Bronwyn, a dietician, Patricia, a counsellor and Marty from PASS (Physical Activity Support Service). They were all so helpful and very caring and not judgmental. I am not the most confident person, but I felt safe and very cared for.

I needed to have surgery, and I was on the list, but I was in a lot of pain and getting worse. Bronwyn asked me if I would like her to be my advocate and write to the surgeon on my behalf, which the team all signed.
My husband and I were so humbled by their kindness and concern for me.

We are so lucky to have caring wrap-around services with genuine care and concern. I feel like I have been surrounded by a big hug. I would like to say a big thank you."

20/10/2025

With the support of our PASS (Physical Activity Support Service) and dietitian services, Runanga local Kathy has made significant improvements in her health.

"I went to Karla from PASS, who helped me with getting fit and getting back into moving. Karla got a plan going for me. When I first started, I went on the treadmill, and I was scared of it because I was that unhealthy and unfit. I started with the slowest movement, and she’d built me up. She stood alongside me.

The dietitian also worked with me on portion sizes. They helped with self-change. She gave me some insights into why I was eating the way I was eating. I also gave up smoking.

It’s definitely made a vast improvement, vast improvement.”

15/10/2025

On Friday, October 31st, our vasectomy clinic will be available locally, eliminating the need for a trip to Christchurch. Please call 037685942 or email reception@coastalhealth.co.nz to schedule an appointment. Enrollment at Coastal Health is not required.

15/10/2025

There aren’t many things better than a sunny spring morning on the Coast! 🚴

The days are getting warmer and longer, making it the perfect time to head outdoors. Grab your friends and whānau and enjoy being active in the fresh spring air.

15/10/2025

After-hours primary care and pharmacy this weekend:
Kā Ora Telecare provides people with a quick and easy solution to connect with a health care professional for afterhours medical advice and treatment. The service is open 5pm to 8am (evening and overnight) on Weekdays, and 24 hours in Weekends and Public Holidays.
You can connect with the Ka Ora Telecare team by:
1. Calling 0800 2 KA ORA (0800 252 672)
You will first be greeted by a Kaiawhina or a Nurse. The team will assess your health needs, and you can either see a clinician directly or you may also choose to schedule an appointment later in the evening.
2. Booking an Appointment online through the ‘Book Appointment’ button for Ka Ora.
Available from 5pm to 10pm weekdays and 8am to 10pm weekends and public holidays. By booking an appointment, you will have a specific appointment time to connect directly with the medical team over phone or video.
For more information about the after-hours service, check out our website - https://westcoasthealth.nz/your-health/after-hours-care
Weekend Pharmacy:
Unichem Olsen's Pharmacy is open Saturday 10am - 2pm
Unichem Te Nīkau Pharmacy is open Sunday 12pm - 2pm **
Westland Pharmacy is open Saturday 9.30am - 12.30pm
Westland Pharmacy is open Sunday 10am - 12pm
Buller Pharmacy is open Saturday 9.30am - 12.30pm

Ka Ora West Coast Primary Care Practices are closed at night and on the weekend. You can access care at night-time or on the weekend by accessing Ka Ora Telecare. Telecare means the service is provided via the phone or internet.  Ka Ora Telecare provides people living in rural areas with a quick a...

13/10/2025

“I really enjoy staying active through group exercise because it keeps me motivated and makes working out more fun and social. I love the structure, encouragement, and sense of community that group exercise offers. It also helps me stay consistent, since I look forward to seeing familiar faces and being part of something bigger than just a solo workout.”

-Bronwyn from the West Coast Health team 💚

13/10/2025

When West Coaster Colin Skates received a bowel screening kit in the mail, he took the test. He considered himself to be a fit and healthy man with no symptoms and so was surprised when the test result came back as abnormal.

He was booked in for a colonoscopy which resulted in the discovery of a malignant polyp. He had an operation to remove it and after further tests was given the all clear.

Colin urges anyone who gets the test kit in the mail, to take the test – put simply, it could save your life!

For more information visit – https://info.health.nz/keeping-healthy/cancer-screening/bowel-screening


Important Update: The starting age for funded bowel screening has been lowered from 60 to 58. People aged 58 to 74 are now eligible for screening

https://vimeo.com/781281795?fl=pl&fe=sh

When West Coaster Colin Skates received a bowel screening kit in the mail, he took the test. He considered himself to be a fit and healthy man with no symptoms and…