Emergency Department (Rotorua)
The Emergency Department is for the treatment of medical emergencies and less urgent cases when alternative care is not available.
Your GP is better for non-urgent health matters and ongoing treatment.
How to find us:
Rotorua Hospital Emergency Department (ED) is clearly signposted in red on all our hospital signage, external and internal.
The entrance is off Pukeroa St, which can be accessed from Arawa St and Lake Rd.
There is a drop-off area directly outside the ED entrance and limited short-term parking.
Emergency Department is open for emergency and urgent serious medical issues 24/7.
When you arrive:
On arrival at the Emergency Department you are seen by a triage nurse who assesses your condition.
Depending on your condition, you may be seen immediately or you may be asked to wait in the waiting room.
You may need to have clinical tests such as a blood test, an x-ray, or a CT scan.
If this happens then you might need to wait for the results of these tests before the healthcare team can continue your treatment.
Your treatment plan may include admission to an inpatient ward. This will be arranged for you.
More serious cases are given priority, even if they arrive after you, but you will be treated in the shortest time possible.
All patients, even those arriving by ambulance, are assessed this way.
Click here for patient rights and privacy.
Members of our Maori health team (Te Aka Matua), are available to offer support. If you require their services please let staff know.
While you wait
If you start to feel worse please let the triage nurse or receptionist know.
You may be asked to wait in the waiting area or in a treatment cubicle. While you wait, hospital staff will try to make sure you are as comfortable as possible.
If you need to leave the waiting area make sure you let staff know, and ask them before you eat or drink anything as it may affect your treatment.
Waiting can be frustrating, but for everyone's comfort and safety, please treat others with respect.
Charges:
New Zealand citizens or those who have obtained permanent residence are entitled to publicly funded health care.
Non-residents may be required to pay for their health care. Click here for eligibility.
Discharge:
When you’re discharged from the Emergency Department use the following check list.
- Collect all your personal belongings including medications and medical documents
- Ask for a medical certificate if you need one
- A member of your treatment team may give you a letter explaining your situation to help your GP continue your care. Put it in a safe place, you may need to take this to your GP.
Further treatment:
If you have any further questions about your care you can contact your GP.
For free health advice from a Registered Nurse you can call Healthline on 0800 611 116
About the Emergency Department
Rotorua ED is a 34-bed facility, this includes three resuscitation areas, five monitored spaces,17 acute cubicle spaces (including four dedicated paediatric rooms) and a six bed clinical decision unit.
There are dedicated procedure rooms for performing ear, nose and throat, ophthalmology, gynaecology, orthopaedic and general procedures.
There is also 24 hour access to radiology services, laboratory and blood bank facilities.
Approximately 35,000 patients a year are seen in Rotorua Emergency Department.
The ED staff are a dedicated team of Doctors and Nurses who specialise in Emergency Medicine.
St John Friends of the Emergency Department (FEDs) support the work of our staff by providing assistance and reassurance to patients. They offer a listening ear and practical help with tasks like phone calls. They will ensure you are warm and comfortable.