Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation

01/08/2025

Need medical care over the weekend? Our website has everything you need to know about after-hours care in the Western Bay of Plenty.

✔️ Options for in-person and virtual consultations
✔️ Info on services like Tauranga Accident & HealthCare and Practice Plus
✔️ How to access 24/7 free advice from Healthline and PlunketLine
✔️ Answers to common after-hours questions

Whether it’s a health concern or just a bit of reassurance, support is just a few clicks away.

Visit now: www.wboppho.org.nz/after-hours-care

29/07/2025

Nurses, healthcare assistants and some midwives at public hospitals and health services are planning to strike for 24 hours, from 9am on Wednesday 30 July to 9am on Thursday 31 July.

Emergency and essential care will continue. Most clinics will close and some appointments may be rescheduled.

Check the full update: tewhatuora.govt.nz/industrial-action

Nurses, healthcare assistants and some midwives at public hospitals and health services are planning to strike for 24 hours, from 9am on Wednesday 30 July to 9am on Thursday 31 July.

Patient safety will be our priority:

✅ Anyone in hospital will get the care and support they need.
✅ Our hospitals and emergency departments will stay open.
✅ Maternity services for women in labour, inpatient and birth services will continue.
✅ Visiting hours will stay the same.
✅ To maintain patient safety, most clinics will be closed, and appointments will need to be rescheduled.
✅ If you have an appointment on the day of the strike, come to your appointment unless we have contacted you directly.
✅ Any appointments that are deferred will be rescheduled for the next available time.
✅ Anyone needing it will receive emergency care.

We value the hard work and dedication of our staff. To find out more, visit: tewhatuora.govt.nz/industrial-action

25/07/2025

Small steps can lead to big changes.

This story comes from someone who connected with BeingWell during a really tough time. With support that felt personal and practical, they found tools to manage anxiety, navigate difficult moments, and start setting goals for their future.

BeingWell is here for everyday challenges, whatever they may be. Our team includes Health Coaches, Health Improvement Practitioners (HIPs), social workers, and counsellors, all working together to support your wellbeing.

You don’t need to be in crisis to reach out. And you don’t have to figure it out alone.

💚 It’s free, confidential and you don't need a referral
💻 Learn more and book online at: wboppho.org.nz/free-mental-health-services

22/07/2025

People come to BeingWell for all sorts of reasons

Some are looking for support with sleep or stress. Others want help coping with grief, anxiety, parenting, or life changes.

You don’t need to be in crisis to reach out. BeingWell is here for everyday challenges, whatever that looks like for you. It’s free, confidential, and flexible. Talk to a real person, your way: in person, by phone, online or by text.

💚 Some of the reasons people come to BeingWell
• Anxiety, stress or sleep issues
• Grief and loss
• Parenting or whānau challenges
• Long-term health conditions or chronic pain
• Lifestyle changes and health goals
• Housing or relationship stress
• Body image, eating habits, or nutrition
• Neurodiversity and emotional wellbeing
• Breaking unhealthy habits
• Big life transitions, or just feeling stuck

🚀 Getting started is simple. You can book a free Health Coach or Health Improvement Practitioner (HIP) online or ask your general practice team. You don't need to see your doctor first.

📅 Book now at https://wboppho.org.nz/free-mental-health-services/ -a-hip-or-hc

17/07/2025

🧡 Three new measles cases have been confirmed yesterday, bringing the total to eight across Wairarapa and Manawatū.

Measles spreads easily, but the good news is it’s preventable. If you or your whānau haven’t had two doses of the MMR vaccine, now’s a good time to check in with your doctor or local pharmacy.

Even if the risk is low, keeping up with vaccinations helps protect everyone, especially pēpi and those who can’t be vaccinated.

💬 For questions or support, call Healthline 0800 611 116 (free, 24/7).
📍 Latest locations of interest: info.health.nz/measles

🎥 Watch below to learn more about symptoms to look out for.

17/07/2025

Need help with your health or someone else’s? You’re in the right place. 💚

Keep reading for trusted health contacts available across the Bay of Plenty.

🚨 In an emergency? Call 111 straight away.

Need health advice?
☎️ Call Healthline 0800 611 116 — free and available 24/7
👶 Concerned about an unwell pēpi or tamariki? Call PlunketLine 0800 933 922 — free and available 24/7

💙Need mental health support?
Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor.
For more options, visit👉 https://buff.ly/Apjg1Wv

🏥 Bay of Plenty Hospitals — 24/7 emergency care is available at:
📍 Tauranga Hospital (829 Cameron Road, Tauranga)
📍 Whakatāne Hospital (Stewart Street, Whakatāne)
➕ Find hospitals in other regions: https://buff.ly/kvUvP3r

After-hours or urgent care (non-life threatening)?
🕗 Tauranga Accident & HealthCare is open 8am–8pm every day, including weekends and public holidays.
📍 19 Second Ave, Tauranga | accidenthealth.co.nz
Free for under-14s after hours. On-site X-ray available.

📱 Need urgent or after-hours care, but don’t need to be seen in person?
You can talk to a clinician the same day by phone or online with practiceplus.nz.
Open 9am–10pm weekdays, 8am–8pm weekends and public holidays. Free for enrolled tamariki under 14.

💻 Can it wait? Try your GP first.
If you’re enrolled, consults cost less for everyone — and are free for under-14s. Some practices also offer same-day appointments, as well as phone or video consults.

👩‍⚕️ Not enrolled with a doctor?
Find a GP and enrol for free at 👉 https://buff.ly/gk6uFNQ

🤔 Not sure which health care you need? Visit 👉 https://buff.ly/oXcQ35X for a quick guide.

17/07/2025

✨ What if support for your mental health and wellbeing was free?
🖊️ What if all it took was filling out a quick online form?
🤝 What if the person you spoke to could connect you with a range of support services and professionals to help you get there?
📍What if all of this was available right here in the Bay of Plenty?

It is. It’s called BeingWell. 💚

BeingWell is the new name for WBOP PHO’s free primary mental health and wellbeing services.

It brings together Health Coaches, Health Improvement Practitioners (HIPs), social workers, counsellors, and a wide network of trusted local support services and community connections.

We’ve created this new identity alongside people who’ve used the service, so more people can find help, faster. It starts with one conversation, and from there, we’ll work together to find the support that fits you best.

Here’s what you need to know:
✅ It’s free
✅ You can often get an appointment same day or within a week
✅ You don't need to see your doctor first
✅ Book online or through your general practice or hauora team
✅ We can meet in person, by phone or online
✅ We work alongside your doctor, and your whānau, if you like
✅ You can have ongoing sessions or check-ins, not just a one-off
✅ Everyone is welcome, big or small challenges

People come to BeingWell for all sorts of reasons:
💭 Anxiety, grief, parenting, sleep issues
🥦 Diet and nutrition, lifestyle changes
💔 Relationship stress, housing worries
🧠 Long-term health issues support
📱 Digital overwhelm or breaking unhealthy habits

We take a holistic approach, supporting your physical, emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing.

💻 Ready to get started?
👉 Fill in our online form at wboppho.org.nz/free-mental-health-services
👉 Or ask your doctor or general practice and hauora team for a free appointment with a Health Coach or HIP

Did you know we offer free Mental Health Services in Western Bay of Plenty? Book a Health Coach or HIP for anxiety, stress, health & wellness.

16/07/2025

We’ll help you get started 🩺

If you're new to the area or haven’t registered with a general practice yet, we’ve made it easy to find the right one for you.

Our website has everything you need:
✔️ Tips for choosing a GP that fits your needs
✔️ Info on the benefits of enrolling – like lower-cost visits and access to free health programmes
✔️ Step-by-step instructions on how to sign up
✔️ Answers to common questions about enrolment and eligibility

Take the first step toward better care: Visit: www.wboppho.org.nz/register-with-a-gp

15/07/2025

Living with Type 2 Diabetes? We're Here to Help!

If you or your whānau are navigating life with Type 2 diabetes, trusted health information can make all the difference. Our free, interactive group sessions are designed to help you take charge of your health while connecting with others on the same journey.

Led by a registered dietitian or nutritionist, with support from a diabetes nurse, pharmacist, Sport Bay of Plenty, and Diabetes NZ Tauranga, these sessions will help you:

✅ Learn practical ways to self-manage your health.
✅ Make positive lifestyle changes.
✅ Build connections within a supportive community.

💻 Online and in-person options available.
🩺 No doctor referral needed.

👉 Learn more and register here: https://buff.ly/40IKP2P

You're not alone: Let's take this step together! 🌿

13/07/2025

🧏 Free Interpreter Support for Your Health Appointments

If you are Deaf, hard of hearing, or find it hard to speak or understand English, you can get a free interpreter to help you during your medical appointment.

This service is available for our community enrolled with general practices that are part of WBOP PHO.

Just ask your practice to arrange it, or show them the interpreter poster tagged here.
Need to download it or use another device? Head to: 👉 wboppho.org.nz/health-services-programmes/

Not sure if your general practice is part of WBOP PHO? Check it out:
👉 wboppho.org.nz/gp-practices/

We want everyone to feel supported, understood, and able to take part in decisions about their health.

13/07/2025

Free health and wellbeing sessions for our Katikati community

Want to feel better, have more energy, or make some healthy changes? Join our free group sessions to learn simple ways to eat well, move more, sleep better and manage stress – all with support from a registered health professional.

🗓️ Thursdays 17 & 24 July
🕘 9am to 12pm
📍 Katikati Community Centre, 41 Beach Road

Everyone is welcome. The sessions are friendly, relaxed and packed with useful tips for everyday life.

🌐 Learn more & register at: wboppho.org.nz/diabetes-lifestyle
📧 selfmanagement@wboppho.org.nz
📞 (07) 571 7729

12/07/2025

💬 Let’s Talk Screening: Free Training for Non-Clinical Kaimahi

We’re excited to invite non-clinical kaimahi to the first official Let’s Talk Screening training – a practical one-day workshop to help you feel more confident having everyday kōrero with whānau about cancer screening.

This free training is for receptionists, outreach workers, navigators, admin staff – anyone supporting whānau in general practice or community settings and playing a key role in their care journey.

📅 Wednesday 23 July | 9am–4pm
📍 Tāne-nui-a-rangi Wharenui, Mount College
🍽️ Free training + shared kai
✨ Spaces are limited – register now: https://bit.ly/LetsTalkScreen

This kaupapa was co-designed by WBOP PHO alongside AvaNiu Pasifika, Breast Screen Aotearoa, the Cancer Society, Te Manawa Taki Health NZ, Wairiki Whānau, and the Pacific Island Community Trust.

💛 Know someone who should be there? Tag them or share this post!