Lack of 24hr GP service

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Oh the joys of overcooked technology! Now, if a family member is seriously ill, instead of just one phone number, you can spend your time chasing around eight—yes, eight—potential sources of help. Thursday’s story about the lack of any full-time GP service lists, as well as the missing GP, Healthline, pharmacies, 111, Ka Ora Telecare, healthnavigator.org.nz, Plunketline, and hospital emergency department. It’s that modern wonder, the inconvenience of convenience. No wonder so many people just go straight to the ED.

Gavin Maclean