Clutha Health First

💗 Supporting you and your growing whānau 💗

Pregnancy is a special journey, and having the right support makes all the difference. Our hospital and health centre is proud to have four experienced Lead Maternity Carers (LMCs) in our team who are here to support you every step of the way — from early pregnancy through birth and beyond.

Our LMCs provide:
🌸 Personalised, compassionate care
🌸 Support for you, your baby and your whānau
🌸 Trusted guidance throughout your pregnancy journey

If you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, we warmly encourage you to get in touch with one of our LMCs to talk about your options and find the care that’s right for you.

📞 Reach out today — we’re here to support healthy families and positive beginnings.

Our community is experiencing high rates of flu-like illness, and we need to protect our well patients and staff.

We are encouraging all patients to please wear a mask when presenting to our facility for an appointment.

Masks are available at all entrances to Clutha Health First.

Please do not visit our Maternity or Inpatient Wards if you have flu-like symptoms.

If you are unwell with respiratory-like symptoms and need to seek medical advice, please either:

- Call our General Practice 03 419 0500

- Seek advice from Healthline - Free to call 24/7 on 0800 611116

- For health information, refer to https://healthify.nz/health-a-z/i/influenza

- For medical emergencies, always call 111 immediately.

It's that time of year — though this season's bugs are hitting harder than usual. 🤒

Clutha Health First is seeing a higher than normal number of patients testing positive for influenza A, influenza B, and RSV across all age groups. No single demographic is being spared, and our teams are responding accordingly.

If you or someone in your whānau is feeling unwell, here's what to do:
• Stay home - rest and stay hydrated
• Take paracetamol if it is required to manage your symptoms
• Keep an eye on how you're feeling — if things worsen or you're concerned, please seek help
• In an emergency always call 111

Not sure whether you need to see a doctor? These two resources are worth knowing about:

Healthify — healthify.nz has reliable, easy-to-read health information to help you understand your symptoms and figure out your next steps.

Healthline — free to call 24/7 on 0800 611 116, staffed by registered nurses who can advise whether you need further care.

For most people, the best thing right now is to rest, stay hydrated, and monitor how symptoms are progressing. That said, please don't hesitate to reach out if something doesn't feel right. 💛

If you need to be seen by a Doctor you may be asked to complete a multi test and report the result before arrival, which tests for Influenza A, B, RSV and Covid-19. Tests can be self-purchased from a pharmacy at a small cost.

Acting early matters — for you and for the wider community.

🌿 Your Voice Matters to Us 🌿

At Clutha Health First, your feedback helps shape the care we provide. Whether you’ve had a positive experience, want to recognise a team member, or have suggestions for how we can do better — we’re listening.

💬 Share your thoughts with us here: https://cluthahealth.co.nz/contact/complaints-compliments-and-feedback/

Every comment helps us grow and continue delivering the best possible care for our community.

After hours doesn't mean without options. 🏥

If you need primary care outside of regular Clutha Health First hours, Ka Ora is here to help — and it's worth knowing how it works before you actually need it.

Ka Ora is the after-hours rural General Practice service for Clutha Health First, together with other rural General Practices in Otago and Southland. When our clinic is closed, you're not left to figure things out on your own. Here's what the service offers:

- A telehealth assessment with an Emergency Specialist Doctor
- Face-to-face care arranged at CHF during certain hours (excluding overnight)
- A referral to your nearest Emergency Department if it's needed
- Healthcare advice when that's all you require

Outside of standard hours, the General Practice is open by appointment (via Ka Ora) on weekday evenings until 9pm, and 9am–6pm on weekends.

The numbers to know:

— Emergency: 111
— Ka Ora (via CHF): (03) 419 0500
— Ka Ora (direct): 0800 252 672
— Healthline (advice, 24/7): 0800 611 116

Once you know the system, it's straightforward — and having that knowledge ahead of time makes a real difference when you're unwell and need to act quickly.

Save this post, share it with whānau in the Clutha District, and make sure the right numbers are in your phone before you need them.

Attention families of the Clutha District!

A new initiative has been setup “Pace and prams" to enable local parents to connect and move their bodies in a supportive and inclusive environment.

It is free and accessible and a great way for rural and urban parents to meet new people in the South Otago region. The group currently consists of a weekly walk ending with an optional coffee catch up.

If you are interested in joining and/or connecting with this group, search for the private Facebook group “Pace and Prams (Balclutha)” and request to join.

Laboratory Update:

Due to staff availability and safety, the Awanui Labs Balclutha collection centre is closed today (Tuesday) and will open later tomorrow (Wednesday) at 10am.

Please do not come to the hospital for blood tests unless you are requested to do so by your Doctor or Nurse.

Send a message to learn more

Not every moment needs to be captured.

Smartphones and digital devices help us stay connected, informed, and entertained while spending time in the hospital. But it's important to remember that hospitals are healthcare spaces first and foremost.

We ask visitors to be mindful when using mobile devices, including smartglasses, tablets, laptops, etc, and to avoid photographing or filming staff, patients or other visitors without their consent. We also ask that hospital facilities, equipment and property are not used as props for content that could be disrespectful, disruptive, or interfere with patient care.

If you'd like to take photos or videos during your visit, please make sure you have permission from anyone who may be included as well as permission to film in any hospital space.

Thank you for helping us create a safe, respectful, and caring environment for everyone. 💙

It is Word Breastfeeding Week: 1 - 7 August.

What does this mean for Aotearoa?

Around the world, breastfeeding support looks different, but one thing remains the same—parents are more likely to meet their feeding goals when they feel informed, encouraged and supported.
This year’s theme encourages us to learn from what is working well and continue strengthening the support available to whānau.

In New Zealand, breastfeeding rates have also improved, with 55.7% of babies exclusively breastfed until at least four months of age in 2023/24 (compared to 46.1% a decade ago). However, not all whānau experience the same support or opportunities. Strengthening breastfeeding support is essential to ensure every parent has the opportunity to achieve their own feeding goals.

This World Breastfeeding Week, we’re celebrating the people, places and support that help make feeding journeys stronger.