SCDHB

A free taxi shuttle for Geraldine and Temuka people who need to visit the Timaru after-hours GP surgery at Dee Street is changing to an "on demand" service from this weekend.

On October 1 last year, the taxi shuttle service was set up in response to a concern raised by residents in Geraldine and Temuka that some people did not have transport available to visit a GP in Timaru at weekends or public holidays. The Timaru Taxis service has been available in both towns every weekend and public holiday since then, but has not been used once.

District Health Board members agreed at a meeting last Friday to change the service to an "on demand" taxi shuttle that will only pick up patients from Geraldine and Temuka if it is booked ahead - by phoning Timaru Taxis on 03 688 8899.

Each Saturday, Sunday and public holiday the taxi shuttle will be available to pick up patients at the following stops, but only if it is booked at least an hour in advance:

9am – Outside the Geraldine Public Library

9.15am – Outside the Temuka Public Library

9.30am – Arrive at the Dee Street After-Hours GP Surgery, Timaru

When all the patients on the shuttle have been seen by the doctor, the shuttle will return them to their pick-up point. This service is solely for the use of GP patients and does not drop passengers at any other place.

The usual fee applies to see the doctor and can be paid before leaving the after-hours clinic.

Geraldine patients: please note that Four Peak Health (Dr Moginie) continues to offer after-hours GP services in Geraldine.