‘Go well over winter’ agency’s wish

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

Te Whatu Ora-Tairāwhiti has launched their Go Well winter campaign.

Its three main messages are

■ Stay home if you’re sick or isolating for Covid-19.

■  Wear a mask in crowded spaces.

■  Choose the best healthcare options.

Choosing the best healthcare options means taking a proactive approach early to looking after your health so you’re less likely to need urgent care or be hospitalised.

The health agency says there are a lot of ways  to care for yourself and others at home.

For tips on treating common health conditions and advice on when to seek more help,  visit the Health Navigator website which provides easy access to online, plain language health information and self-care resources.

The next point of call could be a local pharmacist who is a registered health professional.

Pharmacists can offer health advice on a wide range of common conditions and medications that you might have thought you had to see your GP for.

These include coughs and colds, bladder infections, eye infections, minor cuts and grazes, the emergency contraceptive pill and a range of other health needs.

If you are feeling sick and worried, you can call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free medical advice 24/7 from registered health professionals who can also connect you with the health services you might need.

Translation services are available.

Gisborne Hospital  is for when you have a medical emergency that is life-threatening such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe bleeding and pain.

In that case, call 111 immediately, 24/7, or go directly to the Emergency Department.

Frontline staff are “truly incredible” in their dedication to each and every patient, and the extra shifts they pick up when presentation numbers start to soar, says Te Whatu Ora Tairāwhiti.

“With our community proactively helping us with knowing their healthcare options and keeping high vaccination rates, our staff can help those of us who need help the most.

“From everyone at Te Whatu Ora-Tairāwhiti, help us to help you and Go Well this winter”.