Acute Care walk-in clinic
Same-day help for health concerns that can’t wait
Tararua Health Group’s Acute Care walk-in clinic provides same-day care for urgent, non-life-threatening health concerns that cannot wait for a routine GP appointment.
Located at Dannevirke Community Hospital, the service gives people across the Tararua community access to experienced urgent care locally, helping reduce the need to travel out of the district for care that can safely be managed closer to home.
When is the service open?
The clinic is open Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
No appointment is needed. Patients can walk in at any time during opening hours.
Where is it located?
You can find the Acute Care walk-in clinic at:
Dannevirke Community Hospital
Barraud Street
Dannevirke 4930
You can get directions to Dannevirke Community Hospital here.
Who can use this service?
Acute Care is open to everyone, including both enrolled and non-enrolled patients.
What types of conditions are treated?
You can visit for urgent, non-life-threatening issues such as:
- Injuries, including suspected broken bones, dislocations, wounds, burns, and minor head injuries
- Acute illness, including cold or flu symptoms, chest infections, sore throat, rashes, and conjunctivitis
- Ear, nose, and throat concerns, including ear pain and infections
- Skin concerns, including infections, rashes, wounds, and minor burns
- Unwell children, including fever, rashes, sore ears, vomiting, and tummy pain
- Breathing concerns that need prompt assessment
-
Sudden or concerning symptoms that need same-day clinical review
When should I call 111?
Please call 111 or go directly to the emergency department if you are experiencing:
- Chest pain
- Severe difficulty breathing
- Severe bleeding
- Signs of a stroke, such as facial drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech, sudden numbness, or sudden vision loss
- A major injury
- A life-threatening emergency
If you are unsure whether your symptoms are an emergency, it is safest to call 111.
Do I need an appointment?
No. The service operates on a walk-in basis. You do not need to book ahead.
Who will I see when I arrive?
Every patient is assessed on arrival to determine the level of care needed. Depending on your condition, you may be seen by a nurse, nurse practitioner, or urgent care clinician.
Patients with more urgent clinical needs will be seen first.
What makes this service different?
Acute Care is supported by experienced emergency and urgent care clinicians, including Nurse Practitioners and Registered Nurses with backgrounds in hospital emergency departments.
The service also has access to important onsite facilities at Dannevirke Community Hospital, including:
- Onsite X-ray
- Medlab blood testing
- Casting services
- An emergency treatment room
- Clinical monitoring equipment
- Same-day observation when clinically appropriate
This means many urgent health concerns can be assessed and treated locally, without patients needing to travel for care that can safely be managed in Dannevirke.
Who leads the Acute Care service?
The service is led by Nurse Practitioner Amanda Hume, who has more than 20 years of experience in emergency and urgent care.
How long will I have to wait?
Wait times depend on clinical urgency, patient volume, and the complexity of the care being provided.
The Acute Care team aims to see patients as efficiently as possible, but patients with more urgent needs are always prioritised to keep everyone safe.
Do I still need to be enrolled with a GP?
Yes. The Acute Care service is not designed to replace your GP.
It is important to stay enrolled with your regular general practice for ongoing and routine care, including long-term condition management, repeat prescriptions, test results, screening, and follow-ups.
If you do not currently have a GP, Tararua Health Group is welcoming new patients and would be happy to support your ongoing care. Enrolling with one of our practices helps ensure continuity of care and gives clinicians access to the right health information when you need support.
Is this service for routine appointments?
No. The Acute Care service is for acute medical needs only.
Routine appointments, long-term condition management, repeat prescriptions, or planned follow-ups should be booked with your regular GP or healthcare provider.
We’re here for you when you need us
Book online in just a few steps.