The Ōpōtiki Medical Hub is introducing a co-payment for its after-hours service, Pou Ora: Same-day & Acute Care Clinic, to ensure its long-term sustainability.

The new fee applies to patients aged 14 and over and is essential for the clinic's continued operation.

The Pou Ora clinic, a nurse-led service operating from the Ōpōtiki Community Health Centre on King Street, has provided essential same-day and acute care to the community since 2020.

Eastern Bay Primary Health Alliance interim chief executive Katariana Gordon said while the decision to introduce a co-payment was difficult, it was necessary to secure the future of the service.

The fees had been set as low as possible for after-hours care, and all proceeds would be used directly for the clinic's operational costs.

“This decision is grounded in the Whakatōhea whakataukī: "Whānau ora, hapū ora, ka ora ai te iwi"—when the family and sub-tribe are well, the people will thrive.

“We have worked closely with Ōpōtiki Community Health Hub to ensure this key service continues to be delivered for the health of the community and the East Coast.”

The new fee structure is as follows:

• Standard Consultation Fee (CSC and non-CSC): $20.00
• ACC Consultation Fee: $19.50
• Children 13 and Under: Free
• Limited visa holders, Overseas visitors or those not eligible for funded healthcare in NZ: A fee of $100

The clinic's operating hours are:

• Monday to Friday, 5pm to 9pm
• Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays, 10am to 6pm