If you require urgent medical attention outside doctors' normal weekday hours (8.00am - 6.00pm), you can go to the Accident & Emergency clinic at a public hospital or an after-hours medical centre.

Deciding whether to go to the hospital emergency department or an after-hours centre is a personal judgement call. Often the seriousness of an emergency will be obvious and you should head straight to the hospital. For less urgent matters, people are encouraged to go to an after-hours clinic.

Cost may be a factor in your decision. Patients using after-hours medical centres can expect to pay extra. Service at a hospital emergency department is free (if you are eligible) but there may be a lengthy wait to see a doctor. Wellington has a free ambulance service.

Public Healthcare - Eligibility

Treatment Locations

Wellington Hospital has a 24-hour emergency department. There are also privately operated medical centres offer after-hours emergency healthcare in the region. These clinics are usually staffed by local general practitioners.

Wellington

Wellington Hospital Emergency Department
Riddiford Street
Newtown
Phone:   (04) 385 5999

Wellington Accident and Urgent Medical Centre
17 Adelaide Road
Newtown
Phone:   (04) 384 4944

Hutt Valley

Lower Hutt After Hours Medical Centre
729 High Street
Lower Hutt
Phone:   (04) 567 5345

Upper Hutt Health Centre
off Queen Street Car Park
Upper Hutt
Phone:   (04) 920 1800

Porirua

Kenepuru Accident and Medical
Raiha Street
Porirua
Phone:   (04) 918 2300