Medical aid wherever you need it

Healthline is available 24/7 on 0800 611 116.

People from the Wairarapa are being encouraged to include Healthline and the Healthline symptom checker in their holiday plans.

"There are few things worse than being sick away from home, when things are closed and you're not sure what to do next," said General Manager Andrea Pettett.

"Thankfully, Healthline is available 24/7 on 0800 611 116 " all you need is a phone.

"From the start of January to the end of March 2014, over 1500 people from the Wairarapa DHB region called Healthline, and demand is expected to be similar this holiday period."

She says people now have the added choice of using Healthline online via the Healthline symptom checker " an easy to download and use free app that provides expert health advice and information.

"You find your symptoms from a comprehensive list on the app " for example, 'rash " widespread' " or by using the 'browse by body parts' option, and the app then suggests a course of action," said Ms Pettett. "That could be to call an ambulance, see a doctor within 24 hours or advice on how to manage the condition at home, just as when people phone Healthline."

The symptom checker has been tailored for New Zealand conditions, with emergency numbers such as the National Poisons Centre and information on health organisations.

Since it was launched it has been downloaded more than 6000 times. It is available to download free on to Apple iPhones or iPads via a link from the Healthline website: www.healthline.govt.nz, or direct from the Apple App store.