Health NZ - South Canterbury

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Health NZ - South Canterbury

Enhancing the health and independence of the people of South Canterbury.

26/01/2026

❗️Health Warning Lifted❗️

Health NZ has lifted the health warning for toxic algae in Hae Hae Te Moana River at Te Moana Gorge.

Latest water testing results show that the toxic algae has reduced and is now below levels that are of concern to public health.

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

25/01/2026

💐 We appreciate the positive feedback from our patients. Your comments help us continue providing quality care every day.
💙 Thank you for sharing your experiences with us.

21/01/2026

Don’t swim in lakes, rivers, and beaches within 48 hours of significant rainfall!

Swimmers are urged to stay up to date on the quality of their favourite South Canterbury/Canterbury lakes, rivers, and beaches to confirm they are safe to swim this summer.

When you’re heading for a swim, don’t forget to look out for the water quality information signs or visit ‘Can I Swim Here?’ section of the Land Water Aotearoa (LAWA) website at www.lawa.org.nz to view the latest information.

Swimmers should avoid getting in the water within 48 hours of significant rainfall as heavy rain flushes contaminants from urban and rural land into waterways, reducing the quality of water within a short period of time – even at sites that generally have good water quality. Check the water is clean and clear before taking a dip.

12/01/2026

❗️Health Warning❗️

Health NZ has issued a health warning for toxic algae in Opihi 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.

For more info 👉http://spr.ly/6188CvOsm

31/12/2025

Ka Ora Telecare is here for rural communities over the holidays. If you need health advice or can’t get to a GP, Ka Ora offers after-hours video or phone consultations with nurses and doctors.

✅ Free initial assessment by a Kaiāwhina or Nurse
✅ Book an appointment for later or speak to a clinician straight away
ℹ️ If you’re 14+ and need a nurse practitioner or doctor, a charge applies (see details on our website)

📞 Call 0800 252 672 (0800 KA ORA)
💻 Or book online: https://kaora.co.nz/app/

Opening hours:
🕔 Weekdays: 5pm - 8am
📅 Weekends & public holidays: 24 hours

Your health matters - even when you’re far from town.

30/12/2025

✅ Cold dips on a hot summer’s day

❌ When you’re heading out for a swim at your favourite lake, river or beach this summer, don’t forget to check the water quality.

Each summer, popular swimming sites across the motu are tested for unsafe levels of bacteria or cyanobacteria (toxic algae). High levels of cyanobacteria can be harmful to humans, dogs, and wildlife.

You can look out for water quality information signs or check online at ‘Can I swim here?’: Land, Air, Water Aotearoa (LAWA) - Can I Swim Here? Or ‘Decide with Safeswim’ at safeswim.org.nz

Swimmers are urged to avoid getting in the water within 48 hours of significant rainfall as heavy rain can wash contaminants into our waterways.

To keep up to date with current health warnings visit: info.health.nz/health-alerts

29/12/2025

Need to see a doctor over the holidays?

If you don’t have a GP or can’t get an appointment, an online or over-the-phone GP service could be a great option.

✅ Book an appointment from wherever you are
✅ Get the care you need without the wait

Find an online or phone doctor appointment here: www.info.health.nz/onlinegp

28/12/2025

🤢 Gastro is a stomach bug that causes diarrhoea, nausea, stomach pain and fever. Gastro spreads very easily from person to person! Wash hands with soap and water, dry thoroughly - especially before eating and after the toilet. If symptoms hit, stay home for 24-48 hours after the last episode. More info: info.health.nz

27/12/2025

🔥 Stay cool & well this summer! It’s going to be a hot one.

Top tips for keeping well in the heat:

Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and caffeine.

Wear lightweight, loose-fitting cotton clothing

Be Sunsmart; remember to Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap. Check sun protection times: sunsmart.org.nz

Avoid going outside during the hottest time of the day.

Very importantly: Never leave kids or pets unattended in cars.

26/12/2025

This summer, your usual health provider might be closed during the Christmas and New Year period. Did you know that pharmacies can help with a lot of health concerns?

Some of the things they may be able to help with:

✅ Expert medication advice

✅ Emergency contraception

✅ Some immunisations

✅ Some urinary or eye infections

✅ Fixing up minor cuts

✅ Checking rashes

✅ Doing basic health checks

And more.

Find your closest one through healthpoint.co.nz.

Learn more about what pharmacists can help with at info.health.nz

25/12/2025

Need health advice over the holidays?

Healthline is a free, over-the-phone health service available 24/7.
📞 Call 0800 611 116 or
💻 Request a call back at http://spr.ly/6188CKLTu

Your health, your way - whenever you need it.

24/12/2025

🙏 We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible team for their unwavering dedication to providing exceptional care and support to our patients and their whānau.
💐 We are immensely proud of the hard work and compassion you bring to our community every day.
🙏 As some of us take time to rest and recharge, many of you will continue working tirelessly throughout the festive season.
💐 Your kindness, commitment, and service do not go unnoticed, and we are deeply appreciative of everything you do.

Address

Cnr Queen & High Sts
Timaru City
7910

Telephone

+6436872100

Website

https://info.health.nz/

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