Emergency Department

MidCentral Health’s Emergency Department (ED) is a 24 hour trauma centre based at Palmerston North Hospital.



Image Caption St John's Ambulance

Emergency Department Question and Answer

Where is the Emergency Department?

If you arrive at Palmerston North Hospital by car, access the emergency department by Gate 11, Ruahine St, Palmerston North. There is clear signage and a drop off bay.

Who should go to the Emergency Department?

If you have a serious injury or illness you should go to the emergency department or dial 111.

If you are uncertain how serious the problem is, you should call the emergency department on (06) 356 9169 for advice.

If you have an injury or an illness that can be seen by a general practitioner first, this is advised. The Emergency Department, particularly with winter illnesses, can become very busy. Patients will be assessed on arrival and prioritised accordingly.  Less serious conditions mean longer waits.

However, all patients will be seen whether they have self presented or have been referred by a primary health provider, for example, a GP.

The emergency department also offers after hours care between 11pm and 6am, when GP services or on-call doctors are not available.

How do I contact the Emergency Department?

Emergency Department Reception: 06 350 8750 or the main Palmerston North Hospital swtichboard: 06 356 9169.

More about Palmerston North Hospital’s Emergency Department

Palmerston North Hospital’s emergency department covers mainly the Manawatu region.

It has 21 trolleys for patients and an adjacent observation area with a further five trolleys and three chairs.

PEDAL Team

Palmerston North Hospital also offers a post emergency department assessment and liaison (PEDAL) service. The PEDAL service is made up of district nurse and a social worker. The service assesses a group of patients prior to discharge to ensure they return to safe environment for their medical and social needs. Patients are referred to the PEDAL team by ED staff.

St John Friends of the Emergency Department (FEDS)

St John Friends of the Emergency Department (FEDS) are volunteers who provide comfort, information and support to patients who are undergoing or awaiting treatment in ED. FEDs are nonclinical volunteers are do not provide medical care to patients, but instead act in a supportive capacity to comfort patients.



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Last Updated 31/03/2008


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