Free under-6 after-hours visits good for all

‘‘Early prevention and treatment is better than letting them get sick, and we don’t want them ending up in ED.’’ Graham Loveridge

After-hour medical visits under-6s are now free.

Although under-6s are currently free at many, if not all, general practices in the region, there was still a charge for services at the after-hours clinic up until July 1.

The changes come as part of a National Government election commitment, at a cost of $28 million over four years.

Nationally, the average cost of a under-6 after-hours visit was $17; in Nelson it was $10, and in Motueka the cost was $20.

Nelson Bays Primary Health

for acting chief executive Jane Kinsey said the change was good. ‘‘We are really pleased with it. It gives families the opportunity to not go to the emergency department and wait for hours.’’

However, families were still encouraged to use their local GPs where possible, she said.

Nelson Medical and Injury Centre practice manager Diane Wiren said the centre welcomed the changes.

‘‘ It’s good for people to not have to worry about their wee ones.’’

Mrs Wiren said there was only a little concern that the afterhours service may become busier due to parents finding the after hours access more convenient.

‘‘I think people will be sensible. People like to go to their own doctor, people like the continuity of care.’’

There might be an increase in the number of under-6s, but that would mostly likely be due to those children who would have been taken to the emergency department, Mrs Wiren said.

Motueka Medical Services practice manager Daniel Bulman said the centre had been recording the number of under-6s leading up to the changes.

‘‘We will record after the changes and if there is a dramatic shift we will have to look at it.

‘‘After-hours, particularly in Motueka, is a bit of a luxury, I don’t think people will take advantage of that.’’

Nelson Bays General Practitioners spokesman Graham Loveridge agreed that although there was a concern about parents using after-hours instead of their GPs, the fact they had relationships with their GPs was a good thing.

‘‘There’s a huge advantage in seeing your GP.

‘‘The kids are often more comfortable seeing someone they already know. Most parents will be pretty sensible.’’

Dr Loveridge said it was great for families that that financial barrier was removed.

‘‘These [under-6s] are a group we really want to see if they are unwell. Early prevention and treatment is better than letting them get sick, and we don’t want them ending up in ED.’’