Children’s health
Many health services for children, including immunisation against serious diseases, regular eyesight and hearing checks at school are free.
Children under six years old are eligible for reduced cost doctor visits and free prescription medicines.
Basic dental care is also free while children are at school.
WellChild Care Service
WellChild is a free service to help support parents through all aspects of their child’s development. Programmes include:
- Health Education and Health Promotion.
- Health Protection and Clinical Assessment.
- Family Care and Support.
Find out more at www.wellchild.org.nz
Plunket Society
The Plunket Society provides free care for mothers and children up to five years, including parenting advice and child health and development checks, either at home with a Plunket nurse or at one of Plunket’s many local clinics.
Every child is entitled to eight WellChild visits. Additional visits are provided for families with extra needs or for first time parents. At each visit, a Plunket Nurse will check your child’s health and development. Plunket also has a car seat rental service which provides safety restraints for babies and small children. These seats and restraints are compulsory for children and babies by law. Find out more at www.plunket.org.nz
Further information
www.hdc.org.nz – the Health and Disability Commissioner is an independent agency dealing with patient rights.
www.healthed.govt.nz offers easy access to popular brochures on health matters.
www.health.govt.nz – the Ministry of Health website offers information about all areas of the public health system. It includes links to District Health Board websites where you can find out more the services available in your area.
