Otago Healthcare
Excellent quality health services are available throughout the Otago Region.
General healthcare information
Depending on your condition and where you live in the region, you may need to travel there for treatment.
District Health Board
Public health services in the Otago Region are provided by Southern District Health Board.
Public hospitals
The main hospitals in this region are in Dunedin and Queenstown.
There are some rural hospitals around the region.
Specialists and hospitals | Southern Health
Private hospitals
To find Private hospitals in this region search on this Ministry of Health webpage
Private Hospitals & Specialists Otago | Healthpoint
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).
Enroling with your local doctor will save you money and help keep you and your family healthy.
To find a PHO and GPs in the Otago Region use the links below.
Enroling with your local doctor
GPs / Accident & Urgent Medical Care | Healthpoint
Dentists
Healthpoint lists all dentist clinics in the Otago Region.
Mental health services
Southern Health provides publicly-funded mental health services.
You can find private and community mental health and addiction services in the region on the Healthpoint website.
The Mental Health Foundation's website lists national helplines, support services, and community support groups in your area.
Mental health and addictions | Southern Health
Mental Health & Addictions | Healthpoint
Helplines & Support | Mental Health Foundation
Community Support Groups Otago | Mental Health Foundation
Urgent mental health support
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 111 or take them to the nearest hospital emergency department.
To contact Southern DHB's Mental Health Emergency Helpline, phone 0800 46 78 46 (push 2 for Otago Mental Health Service).
After hours medical
Well South has information about after hours medical providers in the Otago region.
Find After Hours Care | Well South
Healthline
If you are feeling unwell, or need general medical advice, Healthline offers free, specialist health advice 24/7 over the phone.
You can call them on 0800 611 116.
Healthline | Ministry of Health
Maternity and babies
There are various options available for giving birth in the Otago region. Check on the Ministry of Health website to see what is available in your area.
Southern maternity facilities | Ministry of Health
Plunket
The Plunket Society (Plunket) offers information, support and developmental assessments of children at varying stages between birth and 5 years. They organise car seat education services, parenting education and groups.
Plunket also offers a free parent helpline and advice service available to all families and caregivers 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
You can call them on 0800 933 922.
Senior line
Seniorline is a national information service to help older people and their families navigate the health system.
It provides information to assist with making decisions about staying at home, support for carers and residential care.
You can call them on 0800 725 463, or visit their website.
Hospice
Hospice is specialist care is given to those with life-limiting illness. Otago Community Hospice provides hospice care free of charge and in the setting of their choice.