South Taranaki Rural Health General Practice casual patients

Our Acute Clinic is a special clinic for health needs that need same-day evaluation, for example minor illnesses or injuries such as an ear infection or sprained ankle. Some people who go to the Emergency Department can have their needs met in the Acute Clinic. In that case a nurse in the Emergency Department will refer you to the Acute Clinic.

Who is a casual patient?

If you are a casual patient it means you are enrolled with another General Practice and usually see a clinician at that Practice for your regular, ongoing healthcare. After you are seen in our Acute Clinic, your usual General Practice will see you for any follow up and ongoing care of your long-term health needs. We will ask you who your usual doctor is and ask your permission to send your medical notes to them so that they can help you in your future care.

How much does it cost to be seen as a casual patient?

Age	Medical visit with Community Services Card	Medical visit without a Community Services Card	ACC visit with Community Services Card	ACC visit without a Community Services Card
0-13 years	Free	Free	Free	Free
14-17 years	$25	$40	$13	$25
18+ years	$40	$55	$19	$25

We are conscious that finding the money for medical services is not always easy. If you are finding things tough, please let us know so that we can work together to help. 

If I have an xray or blood test, how do I get my results?

A copy of your results will be sent to the General Practice you are enrolled with, so that they can follow up with your ongoing care. Please contact them for your results. If you are not enrolled with a General Practice, our staff will talk to you about how we can help.

What if I need to get in touch with South Taranaki Rural Health again?

For your best care, we recommend you contact your enrolled general practice first. However, if you do need to get in touch, you can call the Practice on 06 278 1383 or 0800 225571 to leave a message or speak to reception, or email STRHGP@tdhb.org.nz.

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes, we welcome support people to come with you. However, there are some times, such as in a pandemic, when this won’t be appropriate. Please ask if you are unsure.

Will I have a long wait?

We book a number of people into an hour long slot dependent on how many clinicians are working, so that each person can be seen by the right clinician for their needs. We aim to see you within the hour slot you have been assigned. In unforeseen circumstances there can be delays; if this is happening we will try to let you know ahead of time.   

What if English is not my, or my family members, first language?

We can arrange an intepreter for you. Posters in multiple languages about intepreters are on display in our rooms for those who do not read English.

What can I do if I am unhappy about the service or don’t understand something?

Everyone using a health or disability service has the protection of Code of Rights. We care about your rights and aim to treat you with respect. If you are unhappy with the service provided or don’t understand something, please get in touch.

Can I enrol with South Taranaki Rural Health?

We are currently prioritising enrolments to those people who do not currently have a doctor in the Taranaki area or have other complicated, unmet needs. Please let us know if you are in this situation and you would like to enrol.

Use of health information statement
Under the Privacy Act 2020, South Taranaki Rural Health General Practice requires your permission to collect and hold information about you. If you would like to know why we need specific information or would prefer not to provide specific information, please feel welcome to speak to us about it.

General privacy statement

• We collect your contact details, including your email address, in order to communicate with you and for the purpose of surveying your health care experience at Te Whatu Ora Taranaki.
• We collect health information to provide you with appropriate care, to plan for and fund health services, to carry out teaching and research, and to monitor quality.
• We share this information with other health care providers and agencies involved in your care. We treat your information as confidential and ensure that it is kept secure and only accessed by authorised persons.

You have a right to request access to your records and to request correction of the information. If you give your permission, we will share your information with family/whānau and support people. We will supply your information to other agencies where required by law.

Last updated: Friday, October 28, 2022