Government Funding Announced, East Care Overnight Service Remains Closed

A petition with over 10,454 signatures calling for the reinstatement of East Care’s overnight medical service was unsuccessful, despite the New Zealand Government announcing a $164 million investment in urgent and after-hours healthcare services. This funding aims to enhance healthcare access across the country, yet it remains uncertain whether it will lead to the reopening of the closed overnight service at East Care Urgent Care in Botany, east Auckland.

In an event held five months ago at East Care, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Health Minister Simeon Brown emphasized the importance of strengthening urgent care services. “Budget 2025 is investing $164 million over the next four years to expand urgent and after-hours healthcare services,” said Brown. He highlighted that this investment would ensure that 98 percent of New Zealanders could access in-person urgent care within an hour’s drive from their homes. The initiative aims to alleviate pressure on emergency departments and improve patient outcomes.

Luxon noted the government’s commitment to creating a healthcare system that is more accessible and responsive to patients’ needs. He stated, “We promised to prioritize frontline services and deliver the care that Kiwi families rely on.”

Among the key components of this funding is the establishment of a new 24-hour urgent care service in Counties Manukau. The exact location of this service is yet to be determined but is expected to open within the year. Brown mentioned that Health New Zealand will conduct a process to identify the provider for the overnight service in south-east Auckland.

The overnight service, which had operated from 11 PM to 7 AM for over 20 years, was discontinued in late 2020 due to funding challenges and rising patient volumes. The decision drew considerable public backlash within the community, prompting Luxon and Brown to launch the petition advocating for its reinstatement.

Both politicians expressed their commitment to restoring this service, with Brown stating, “We’re committed to continuing the work to bring back this service and to advocate for more health services to be delivered locally in our area.” He pointed out that residents in suburbs such as Beachlands and Maraetai are now faced with longer travel times to reach Middlemore Hospital.

Luxon reiterated the urgency of the situation, emphasizing that east Auckland is the only part of the city lacking local after-hours or 24/7 care. “People are traveling a long way to Middlemore Hospital, and often these individuals are in significant pain and discomfort,” he added.

When questioned last year about the potential for restoring funding for East Care’s overnight service, Luxon described the situation as “incredibly complex.” He emphasized the government’s goal of redirecting resources from bureaucracy to frontline services. “It’s part of that conversation. It’s not just East Care here in east Auckland; it’s across the whole of the country,” he stated.

In a recent statement, Brown reaffirmed his commitment as Health Minister to ensuring all New Zealanders have access to timely and quality healthcare. He highlighted a record investment of $16.68 billion over three budgets in Budget 2024, with primary healthcare as a top priority. The government has taken several measures to enhance access to primary healthcare, such as recruiting more overseas-trained doctors and increasing funding for general practice.

Benedict Hefford, chief executive of East Care, expressed the ongoing frustration of the medical centre regarding the lack of 24/7 urgent care. “Emergencies like allergic reactions and asthma attacks don’t keep to business hours,” he stated. Hefford underscored the importance of reinstating urgent care services for the half-million people residing in south and east Auckland.

Hefford remained hopeful that the recent funding announcements would translate into the necessary support from Health New Zealand to enable the reinstatement of 24/7 care before Christmas. “After-hours services must be funded properly so we can provide quality services that are affordable for patients,” he concluded.

As the government continues to navigate the complexities of healthcare funding, the community remains hopeful for the return of crucial services that have long served the needs of east Auckland residents.