Free under six doctors visits

Capital Coast Health have announced:

 Capital & Coast DHB are reducing barriers to healthcare for parents of children under six by making visits to their doctor or nurse in this region free for under-sixes during business hours at your regular practice, and after hours at three nominated clinics across the region.

From 1 July 2012 all children under six who need medical care will get it for free, regardless of the time of day. Capital and Coast District Health Board have worked alongside Compass Primary Healthcare Network, Cosine PHO, Ora Toa PHO and Well Health PHO to ensure that whether it’s during working hours or not, children under six will get the health care they need without additional costs for their parents.

“When kids are unwell, it’s important that they get medical treatment quickly,” said Dr Andrew Marshall, Clinical Leader Paediatrics, Capital & Coast District Health Board, “Children under six can be especially susceptible to illnesses and can deteriorate quickly so it’s important that they get the right care, at the right time and in the right place; during the day that means your GP practice as they know you best and after hours there are three clinics across our district in Wellington, Porirua and Kapiti.”

I’m generally not a fan of “free” anything, as it distorts demand for a service. But I do make an exception for under six health care, as they are often unable to communicate what the problem is, and it is best to be safe and get them checked out.

Considering the tight fiscal times we are in, its pretty good that CCH has found the money to fund this.