Whanganui - Manawatu Healthcare
Healthcare services are widely available throughout the Whanganui-Manawatu region, though for you may have to travel to hospitals in Palmerston North or Whanganui for specialist care.
Looking for general healthcare information?
District Health Boards
There are two District Health Boards (DHBs) in the Whanganui-Manawatu region. Whanganui District Health Board which serves the Whanganui area and MidCentral Health Board which serves the Palmerston North area.
Public hospitals
There are 2 hospitals in this region: Whanganui Hospital and Palmerston North Hospital
Whanganui Hospital | Whanganui DHB
Palmerston North Hospital | MidCentral DHB
Private hospitals
To find Private hospitals in this region search on this Ministry of Health webpage
Private hospitals | Ministry of Health
Dentists
All dentists are registered with the Dental Council of New Zealand. Use their website to find a dentist near you.
Local Health Centres and doctors (GPs)
Doctors (GPs) are fully trained medical doctors who can advise you on your health and refer you for further tests or specialist treatment if needed. GPs are registered with a Primary Health Organisation (PHO).
Enrolling with your local doctor will save you money and help keep you and your family healthy.
To find a PHO and GPs in the Whanganui-Manawatu region, follow the relevant links below.
Enrolling with your local doctor
Mental Health Services
Mental healthcare services in the Whanganui area are provided by Whanganui DHB. Look on their website for details
Mental healthcare services in the Palmerston North area are provided by MidCentral DHB. Look on their website for details
Mental health services | Whanganui DHB
Mental health services | MidCentral DHB
After hours clinics
If you are feeling unwell or need some urgent medical advice, Healthline offers a 24 hour health service over the phone. You can call them on 0800 611 116.
Whanganui DHB runs an after hours GP service in Whanganui Hospital's Emergency Department. The Palms health centre in Palmerston North offers after hours health care, and so does City Doctors.
After hours care | Whanganui DHB
After hours pharmacies
The Whanganui Hospital Emergency department (see above) also provides the district's after hours pharmacy service.
After hours pharmacy details for Manawatu are listed on this Central PHO page
After Hours Pharmacies | Central PHO
Plunket
The Plunket Society (Plunket) offers information, support and developmental assessments of children at varying stages between birth and 5 years. They also organise car seat rental schemes, parenting education and parenting groups. See these links for services in your area.
Plunket also offers a free parent helpline and advice service available to all families and caregivers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 0800 933 922 for parenting help.
Having a baby
There are various options available for giving birth in the Whanganui/Manawatu region. Check on the Ministry of Health web-site to see what is available in your area.
Whanganui maternity facilities | Ministry of Health
Mid Central maternity facilities | Ministry of Health
Senior line
Senior Line is a phone service and online portal with information for older people and their carers who are making decisions about staying at home, retirement villages, day care options and rest homes. Call 0800 725 463 or visit the websites.
Hospice
Hospice is specialist care given to those with life-limiting illness. Hospice Wanganui provides hospice care in the region free of charge and in the setting of their choice.