26 March 2021

From Monday 29 March the community based assessment centre (CBAC) on the Whanganui Hospital campus, which provides tests for COVID-19, will be open from 8am to 1pm, Monday to Friday.

Outside of CBAC opening hours, people unwell with COVID-19 symptoms should call Healthline on 0800 358 5453.

COVID-19 testing will also be available outside of the CBAC hours at Whanganui Accident and Medical (WAM), which is situated at Whanganui Hospital, from 1pm to 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 8pm on weekends and public holidays. 

If you are feeling unwell with COVID-19 symptoms, please phone (06) 348 1300 and arrange for an assessment or COVID-19 test. Please do not go to WAM or your General Practice without phoning first.

Whanganui DHB general manager Patient Safety Quality and Innovation, Louise Allsopp, says the change reflects reduced demand, but the community will still be able to access testing if they are concerned about symptoms.

“We are able to be flexible with the CBAC hours, especially if Alert Levels change, or we see an increase in local people wanting to be assessed for COVID-19. We can quickly increase or decrease hours as needed,” says Ms Allsopp.