Community-based screening

Where are the community-based assessment centres located?

Nelson: the former Nelson Suburban Club building, 168 Tahunanui Drive. 9am to 6pm.

Motueka: Motueka Bridge Club, Tudor St. 8.30am to 5.30pm.

Golden Bay: A cabin had been placed outside the Golden Bay Community Health centre to allow the safe assessment of people with symptoms.

Murchison: There is a separate entrance to a negative pressure room, separate to other parts of the hospital and health centre.

What happens at a centre?

People will be assessed free of charge by healthcare workers wearing protective masks and other equipment. Masks will also be provided as required. People will be assessed, and swabs will be taken and sent to laboratories for testing, as determined by staff.

How do I find out when a centre is open?

Anyone worried about Covid-19 symptoms should call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 or their GP in the first instance. The locations and operating hours for all community-based assessment centres will be kept up to date on the Nelson Marlborough Health website.

What if I need assessment outside a centre’s working hours?

People are asked to stay at home and call Healthline or their GP for advice. In urgent situations, they can attend an urgent care centre in Nelson or Blenheim. In emergencies only, they can phone 111 or attend a hospital emergency department (ED). Any person visiting an urgent care centre or ED with Covid-19 symptoms is asked to wait at the front door and signal for attention. They should also distance themselves – by at least two metres – from other people who may be present.