Using the Health System

If you are worried about your own drug taking, or a friend, get in touch with the Alcohol Drug Helpline on 0800 787... read more about Alcohol Drug Helpline»

When taken correctly with regular reviews by your doctor, medications can improve your health and prolong your life.... read more about Are your medicines right for you? How to find out»

Children with asthma can usually exercise and do the same things their friends do, as long as you manage the condition... read more about Asthma in children»

Make your GP team your first call 24/7. Unless it’s an emergency (when you should call 111), always make your general... read more about Care around the clock»

HealthInfo Canterbury is an easy-to-use health information website written just for you, the people of Canterbury. You... read more about Check out the HealthInfo Canterbury website»

Many general practices charge lower fees if you have a Community Services Card (CSC). If you have a CSC, the most you... read more about Community Services Card = cheaper GP fees»

Māori health services are designed to promote health, work with Māori people, and encourage healthcare providers to... read more about Did you know there are Māori health teams in hospital services?»

In Canterbury you can dispose needles and insulin pens safely through most community pharmacies, find out how to do... read more about Dispose insulin pens and insulin needles»

Tags MedicinesNeedlesOld medicinesSharps

If you or a family member has a very painful toothache or an injury to your teeth or gums, get help as soon as... read more about Emergency dental care: Where to go»

The Ministry of Health and district health boards fund several services for older people to help support you as you... read more about Find support to stay healthy and live comfortably»

The Ministry of Health funds free hearing checks for children. If your child has a hearing loss, finding it early is... read more about Free hearing checks»

Dental care is free up until you turn 18, so get it while you still can! The Community Dental Service provides free... read more about Get free dentist visits while you can»

People who require long-term supported accommodation due to an illness or a disability may be entitled to a subsidy.... read more about Get help paying for residential care: Here’s how»

Getting a flu jab is your best defence against influenza and 100,000 Cantabrians have now received theirs. If you... read more about Getting a flu jab is your best defence against influenza»

The right equipment can help you do things in your own home, use the bathroom, and move around in your community. But... read more about Getting funding for disability and injury equipment»

During and following this COVID-19 Omicron outbreak, influenza vaccination is more important than ever. As our borders... read more about Getting your flu shot early is more important than ever this year»

Keeping active is one of the best things you can do to manage your osteoarthritis. It also helps with many other health... read more about Got arthritis? Stay active!»

All kids and teenagers in New Zealand can get free dental care up until their 18th birthday. The Ministry of Health has... read more about Here’s how to get free dentist visits»

It’s important to enrol your child with a general practice at birth or as soon as possible after that. Being enrolled... read more about How to find a doctor for your child»

There are many benefits to signing up with a GP... read more about How to find and enrol with a doctor»

In Canterbury you can dispose of medical sharps and old medicines safely through most community pharmacies, find out... read more about How to safely dispose of old medicines or used sharps such as needles and insulin pens»

Tags MedicinesNeedlesOld medicinesSharps

Immunisation is the best way to protect yourself and others from infectious diseases. The Ministry of Health funds a... read more about Immunisations: Get them now, get them free»

The evidence is clear: Immunisation is safe. It protects your child from some serious diseases and helps to stop those... read more about Is immunisation safe for children?»

ACC has information about preparing to return home from hospital, including transport, making sure you have the right... read more about It’s time to go home from hospital. What now?»

... read more about Measles and young people: Are you immunised?»

From 12 June through 30 September 2023, we’re funding participating community pharmacies in Waitaha Canterbury, to provide a Minor Health Conditions Service for Māori and Pacific people, children aged under 14 years, and community service card holders.

read more Minor Health Conditions Service»

Monkeypox (MPX) is a viral disease that can be transmitted by close contact with skin lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials.

read more Monkeypox»

Serious allergies can threaten your child’s life. Starting school can be a particularly scary time for a parent,... read more about My child has a serious allergy. What can I do?»

When people take high doses of opioids, it can lead to an overdose, with the slowing or stopping of breathing and... read more about Overdosing on opioids»

Winter can be a really tough time to navigate, and COVID-19 and a very contagious flu strain have made this year particularly challenging.

read more Pacific Health»

New Zealand has a world-leading health system which makes most services available free (or subsidised) to people who... read more about Paying for your healthcare»

Persistent pain is pain that continues past the time you were expected to recover from an injury or illness, generally... read more about Persistent and chronic pain: What to do»

To renew a prescription, you usually need an appointment at your health clinic to review your health and check how your... read more about Renewing prescriptions»

The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) provides support and services to people with lasting impairments after... read more about Serious injuries and disabilities»

Christchurch Women's Hospital has social workers who can give you support and information. They can do this before,... read more about Social work services for women’s health»

There are a lot of services and support available for older people with different needs. The Needs Assessment Service... read more about Support and services for older people in Canterbury»

The Ministry of Health is responsible for implementing the End of Life Choice Act 2019 (the Act). This includes making... read more about The End of Life Choice Act 2019 and the Assisted Dying Service»

You and your child will need lots of help and support in the first few years. Find out about health services for your... read more about The most important health services for you and your child»

Telehealth, virtual healthcare and e-consultations can provide you with health care during the COVID-19 pandemic, so... read more about Using telehealth to speak to a doctor»

Telehealth, virtual healthcare and e-consultations can provide you with health care during the COVID-19 pandemic, so... read more about Virtual consultations with a doctor»