Wairoa Health

Wairoa Health is a rural hospital and health centre that provides 24/7 emergency care (level 2). It provides primary maternity and birthing care, some outpatient services and same day medical and surgical services to the local community.

Emergency department (ED)

For critical or life-threatening emergencies go to the emergency department or dial 111.

Wairoa Health has a 24-hour level 2 emergency department.

If you are not sure how serious the problem is, call Healthline at any time for advice on 0800 611 116

When to go to ED (external link)

After hours and urgent medical centres (A&E)

If you cannot wait to see your usual doctor, nurse or healthcare provider, or you do not have one, go to an after hours or urgent care medical centre. They can help you with things like bad cuts, sprains or breaks, minor head injuries, or if you are feeling really sick. You do not need an appointment but might have to wait.

Find after hours and urgent care centres on Healthpoint (external link)


Contact information

For general enquiries call 06 838 7099

Physical address:

  • 36 Kitchener Street
  • Wairoa

Postal address:

  • Wairoa Health
  • PO Box 84
  • Wairoa 4160

Visiting hours

General visiting hours: 1pm to 8pm.

Acute assessment unit: 11am to 8pm.

How to get to Wairoa Health

Health shuttle

The Hato Hone St John Health Shuttle is a community service that transports people to and from medical and health-related appointments.

The service is run by volunteers. A donation is greatly appreciated to help cover costs.

Waka Ora Health Shuttles — Hato Hone St John (external link)

National Travel Assistance

The National Travel Assistance Scheme helps people who need to travel long distances or travel frequently for health appointments.

National Travel Assistance (internal link)

Wairoa to Hastings shuttle

There is a shuttle service available to take patients to medical appointments in Napier and Hastings. This is a free service that runs Monday to Friday and leaves Wairoa at 8am, returning about 5:15pm.

To book on this shuttle contact Wairoa Hospital reception on 06 838 7099


Parking information

Carparking, including mobility parks, are available on site.


Services available at Wairoa Health

  • Acute medical inpatient beds
  • Cardiology
  • Chemotherapy
  • Colposcopy
  • Community and district nursing services
  • Dermatology
  • Ear nose and throat
  • Gynaecology and obstetrics
  • Laboratory
  • Maternity services
  • Meals on Wheels
  • Mental health and addiction services
  • Neurology
  • Orthopaedics
  • Orthoptics
  • Radiology
  • Renal
  • Secondary (level 2) 24/7 emergency department
  • Urology
  • Vascular

Queen St Practice — a private general practice — a chiropractor, osteopath and podiatrist are also located at Wairoa Health.

Queen St Practice — Healthpoint (external link)


Patient and visitor information

One parent, guardian, or person acting as a kaitiaki (partner in care) can support a patient while they receive care at the ED. Priority is given to parents and guardians and those acting in a kaitiaki capacity.

To protect patients, whānau and staff, a support person may need to wait outside of the ED waiting room when it is busy. Exceptions for compassionate care and other special circumstances will be considered and must be approved by the clinical nurse coordinator.

Most inpatient wards may have more than 1 visitor.

At times visiting restrictions may apply. Restrictions will be posted at entrances to our hospitals and wards. If you need to contact a ward, call 06 878 8109 and ask to speak with the Charge nurse on the ward.

The health centre and grounds are all smoke and vape free areas. If you are a patient we can help with nicotine replacement therapy.

Feedback on healthcare in Hawke's Bay

How was the care you or your whānau received? We welcome feedback, compliments or complaints to help us get things right.

Freepost feedback form [PDF, 1 MB]

If you have a problem you want sorted straight away, talk with the staff caring for you or ask to speak with a manager in that area.