There have been changes to the opening times of two of the Eastern Bay’s fixed site COVID-19 assessment centres.
The changes relate to the Whakatāne assessment centre’s Saturday opening times, whilst the Ōpōtiki centre (which was formerly operating on a Tuesday and Thursday) will move to Thursday and Saturday opening starting on Thursday 7 May. The opening times for the Kawerau assessment centre remain the same.
The opening times for all three fixed site Community Based Assessment Centres (CBACs) are:
Whakatāne (at Whakatāne War Memorial Hall)
Monday-Saturday 9am-12.30pm
Sunday Closed
Ōpōtiki (at Ōpōtiki Senior Citizens Hall) – starting Thursday 7 May
Thursdays and Saturdays 10am-2pm
Kawerau (at the Ron Hardie Recreation Centre Car Park)
Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am-2pm
Those attending the assessment centres are asked to note that, depending upon patient numbers, there can be a wait to be seen. Please be advised:
- Please be prepared to wait, the process can take up to 30 minutes per person
- If there are cars ahead of you, you can be waiting for over an hour. Patients are advised to be prepared for this and to bring water and snacks with them
- You will need to remain in your vehicle at all times
All patients with the following symptoms are eligible to be seen at the drive-through assessment centres:
- Cough
- Shortness of Breath
- Sore Throat
- Runny Nose
All symptoms can be with or without fever. If you have your NHI number, please bring this with you. If you are unsure if you meet the eligibility, please call your General Practice or Healthline for advice.
Bay of Plenty Community Based Health Services Lead Dr Joe Bourne said hours at the CBACs would continue to change according to demand.
“Following on from previous statements made when we see, or anticipate, changes in demand we will increase or reduce our capacity to suit. We want these services to be as accessible as possible for our community, whilst also making best use of our resources.
“Depending on what’s happening within our communities as we move forward we will continue to flex with demand and amend opening hours accordingly. I would like to say that we’re really grateful to the community for their understanding with this approach.”
For the latest information on CBACs opening times please go to: https://covid19.bopdhb.govt.nz/assessment-centres/
For more details contact:
James Fuller
Communications Advisor – Bay of Plenty District Health Board
DDI: 07 579 8411
Mobile: 027 839 1791
Email: james.fuller@bopdhb.govt.nz
