Weekend radiology expands
Weekend radiology services will resume this winter at Queenstown Medical Centre for the first time since Covid-19, just in time for skiers who come a cropper.
Winter is generally a busy time for health care providers in the Lakes District, especially as the district’s population is boosted by tourists at this time of year.
On Saturdays and Sundays from 1pm to 5pm radiology services, including X-rays, will be available at the centre to handle orthopaedic concerns.
Starting 1 July, the service will run until October.
Lakes District Hospital Service Manager Emily Nelson welcomed the news.
"Having this service at the Queenstown Medical Centre does take the pressure off the hospital, which is often incredibly busy during winter," she says.
Queenstown Medical Centre Chief Executive Officer Ashley Light says it is fantastic news that more radiology will be available to the district’s residents and visitors.
"It’s always a busy time over the winter season and accidents can and do happen. We look forward to working together with Pacific Radiology and the Hospital to keep everyone as healthy as possible," Light says.
It is also timely to encourage people to keep the hospital’s emergency department free for emergencies, Nelson says.
It can be frustrating to wait but all patients are triaged and the sickest are seen first. Emergencies and severe illness will take priority over more minor complaints.
There are many services available to seek help from for non-life-threatening concerns.
- Healthline is a free telephone health advice service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and a good place to start if you are unsure of your symptoms or feel unwell. Phone 0800 611 611 to access free, confidential health advice from a registered nurse.
- If you can wait to be seen, contact your GP to make an appointment to be seen.
- Or seek advice from your community pharmacist who can provide health advice and medication for minor health conditions.
- If you are looking for urgent care and from out of town, you can use the Queenstown Medical Centre Urgent Care service without needing to make an appointment.
- It is on 9 Isle Street, open Monday to Friday from 9am to 8pm, weekends and public holidays from 10am to 6pm.
- Phone (03) 441 0500. Note: “after hours” fees are chargeable after 6pm on weekdays, all day public holidays and weekends.
