GP trips for kids after hours to cost

Doctors visits after hours are going to hit parents hard in the pocket.

Rotorua's 6 to 13-year-olds will not be able to get free after-hours healthcare at the city's only after-hours clinic, after Lakes PrimeCare decided against taking up the free under-13 scheme.

It will mean children who need accident or medical care after 5pm, or at weekends, will have to pay for treatment at the centre, or be forced to go to Rotorua Hospital's Emergency Department for free care.

Lakes PrimeCare said that "with regret" it had decided it could not offer the free care, due to staff recruitment and retention issues.

Lakes PrimeCare chairwoman Roz Wilson said to manage the increased demand that would happen if it offered the free care it would have to employ more experienced doctors to cope.

"[That] would not be covered by the government funding provided."

Dr Wilson said that in the evenings and weekends the service was provided by Rotorua GPs and nurses on a rostered basis, after they had already completed a full day's work at their surgeries.

She said they were not able to gauge how much numbers would increase if they offered the free care.

"With the free under-6 scheme, numbers and consultations increased considerably, which at times has put Lakes PrimeCare under considerable stress with manpower issues. This is reflected at times with unacceptable waiting times for patients, despite running at full capacity."

She said employing a new highly experienced GP to help with a possible increase in numbers was one scenario Lakes PrimeCare directors had considered.

"During normal working hours we have an employed a doctor, primarily for no-appointment urgent cares and for out-of-town visitors and tourists."

Funding issues were "very complex," with funding coming from various sources.

Lakes District Health Board primary care portfolio manager Tim Slow said the board was working with the Rotorua Area Primary Health Services (RAPHS) on funding models for free after-hours health care for children under 13 years old. There was already free after-hours care for under-6 year olds across the Lakes region.

He said because all GP practices were participating, all under-13 year olds were now able to get free care at their local practices during working hours.

"Parents of sick children are encouraged to contact their regular GP practice and get an appointment to ensure children are treated early before they become very ill."

Mr Slow said the emergency department remained the appropriate place to go for medical emergencies.

"Discussions continue with both RAPHS in Rotorua and Midland Health Network in Taupo, looking at funding models for free after-hours care for under-13 year olds," he said.

What they charge:

Locally enrolled patients 6 to under 13 years old:

* Medical "normal hours": $47
* Medical after hours: $29
* ACC "normal hours": $47
* ACC after hours: $29

Non-locally enrolled patients 6 to under 13 years old:

* Medical all hours $62 ($52 with Community Services Card)
* ACC all hours $47 ($37 with Community Services Card)