MidCentral Health’s Emergency Department (ED) is a 24 hour trauma centre based at Palmerston North Hospital.
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 can call Healthline on 0800 611 116 24hrs 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.
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Emergency Department Video Tour
Join associate charge nurse Erin Simmons as she takes you on a tour of the emergency department at Palmerston North Hospital. Erin explains the department's triage process and what you may expect to see as a patient or visitor to the department.
How do I contact the Emergency Department?
Palmerston North Hospital switchboard: 06 356 9169
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 and do not provide medical care to patients, but instead act in a supportive capacity to comfort patients.