Free doctors' visits welcomed

Wendy Biddle is grateful her son Rapata, 11, will now be able to see a GP free. Photo / Stephen Parker

Rotorua families are welcoming a government policy that will see free GP visits for children under 13.

Previously, free visits were only offered to children under six but from today that has been extended and will include free prescriptions. All GP practices in the Lakes District Health region have agreed to take on the changes to enrolled patients. However, Lakes PrimeCare have said they will not provide free after care for this group as "the Government was unable to cover the costs we would incur to provide the service."

The zero fees for under 13s is part of a number of changes to come into effect today which include annual car licence fees dropping, more assistance for solo parents studying and more funding to Hospice.

Rotorua mother Amanda Wallace said it would be a financial relief.

"It will do us a lot of favours, our daughter, 7, has gone to the doctors about seven times this year for bronchitis, strep throat, tonsillitis, a couple of colds.

We would have spent well over $100 if you include the prescriptions. Our other daughter is turning 5," Mrs Wallace said. "We're a family of five and a visit may cost us $20 - $35 depending on the prescription. It does always seem they fall sick just before a pay day. We're lucky that my husband's mother would lend us the money when we needed it when our children needed to go to the doctor."

Wendy Biddle said it was welcome news for her family of four and her two grandchildren. Her daughter regularly visited the doctor growing up as she had ear issues relating to grommets. She said now her son, Rapata, 11, will benefit. He had just seen a doctor this week to have a burn seen to.

"I guess we won't have to worry, it gives us peace of mind. I remember when I was not working and I had to take my daughter in [to a GP] and it would have cost $52. I said, 'I have no money.' I couldn't believe the cost, I was stressed and I thought she could have had meningitis. They told me in the end to take her to the hospital," Mrs Biddle said.

"I think it's awesome and thankful especially to our MP Te Ururoa [Flavell] that they have been fighting for this for all New Zealanders."

Korowai Aroha Health Centre has been "cautiously preparing" for the change.

"We are making sure all our staff are aware of the changes happening and are mindful that the next couple of weeks will be school holidays so parents may present with children during that time," chief executive Hariata Vercoe said.

"Our fees are $7 [for under 6-year-olds] so we don't expect a huge influx but a barrier has been taken away and parents can more err on the side of caution and bring their children in."

A Lakes District Health Board spokeswoman said the change would foster improved continuity of care with a general practice. "Free visits ... will enable those families who may not take their child to the doctor because of the cost, to now go to their GP earlier and have their child/ren treated for minor health issues before illness becomes worse."