Local Doctors Ōtara 24/7 urgent care service featured on TVNZ 1News

Earlier this year, Barbara Dreaver and the team visited Ōtara to cover the launch of the clinic’s new 24/7 urgent care service at its Watford Road location.

The story, which aired in March, highlighted the growing need for accessible after hours healthcare across South Auckland and the positive impact overnight urgent care services are already having for local whānau.

For the first time, the Ōtara clinic is now providing urgent care through the night, helping fill a long standing gap in after hours healthcare access for the community. The service gives patients another local option for urgent care when they need it most, while also helping reduce pressure on emergency departments for lower acuity concerns.

The launch marked an important milestone for healthcare access across South Auckland, with Health Minister visiting the clinic during the opening period to acknowledge the expansion of overnight urgent care services in the area.

Local Doctors teams have already seen first hand the difference improved after hours access can make for patients and families, particularly for those who previously faced long travel times and extended waits at hospital emergency departments.

The clinic continues to welcome walk ins, including casual and visiting patients. Children under 14 are seen free of charge, Community Services Card holders receive additional subsidies, and after hours fees remain unchanged.

The new 24/7 service reflects the needs of the Ōtara community and has been made possible through the support of clinical teams, operational staff and community partners working together to improve access to healthcare closer to home.

A huge thank you to Barbara Dreaver and the 1News team for helping share this important story with audiences across Aotearoa.