Access to urgent and after-hours healthcare is being expanded across the country, including in Wairarapa, as part of Budget 2025 to deliver faster, more accessible urgent care closer to home, Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick says.
“Strengthening urgent and after-hours care is central to our plan to ensure everyone can get the care they need, when they need it.
“Budget 2025 invests $164 million over four years to expand urgent and after-hours services across the country – including extended services across Wairarapa to help more people access care without long waits or travel.
“As part of this investment, new extended after-hours services have been identified for Masterton and a new weekend service has been identified for Dannevirke.
“The new and improved services will be introduced over the next two years, alongside continued support for existing providers and targeted improvements to rural access.
“This National-led Government is investing more in health than ever before, with a record $16.68 billion across three Budgets to improve health outcomes for Kiwis. That means raising the standard of care nationwide – while making sure local communities like ours get solutions that fit their unique needs.
“This is a big step towards a healthcare system that works for everyone, ensuring all New Zealanders – including those in the Wairarapa – have access to timely, quality urgent care, no matter where they live.