Telephone and video appointments

Counties Manukau Health is offering telephone and video appointments with specialists from Middlemore Hospital and other clinic sites such as Manukau, Botany and Pukekohe clinics.

This will only be the case if the doctor, nurse, therapist or other health professional decides an in-person appointment is not necessary and you prefer to use this option. You will still be receiving the same appointment with your doctor, nurse or other health professional – only by phone rather than in person. In-person appointments will still be available.

It is a convenient way of having an appointment without needing to leave your home. It is easier to fit around your life, work and whaanau and you won’t need to travel. You will also still be able to have a support person or whaanau with you during the appointment.

Telephone appointments

What you will need for a telephone appointment

A mobile phone or landline.

It is best if you have a hands-free device. If you have a smartphone, find a way to prop it up so you can move about.

Find a quiet space where you won't be disturbed during your appointment.

Things to prepare for the appointment:

A pen and paper to note things down.
A prescription card, a list of any medications or your medications in their packaging.
A list of questions or issues to help you get the most from your appointment.
A support person. You are welcome to have a family member/whaanau or friend with you during the call. Just remember to tell the health professional who is with you when you start your appointment.

What to expect during a telephone appointment

You may be asked to confirm your identity.
If another person is with you, introduce them to the health professional.
When you are ready you can talk to your health professional about your health.
You may receive important information like changes to your medication.
You can ask the health professional to repeat information to confirm you both have it correctly.
If something goes wrong with the call, we will call you back.
After the health professional has finished talking with you, they’ll arrange things like letters, tests and other appointments if needed.
We will say "goodbye" before we go.

Video appointments

What you will need for a video appointment

	A charged up computer, tablet or smartphone with built in camera and microphone.
	A good internet connection. You can use data but Wi-Fi offers a better experience.
	Find a quiet, well-lit space where you won't be disturbed during your appointment.
	Join your telehealth appointment with any of the following browsers - Chrome, Firefox or Safari. For smart devices, we recommend that you can download and install the zoom app before your appointment.
	Things to prepare for the appointments: A pen and paper to note things down. A prescription card, a list of medications or your medications in their packaging. A list of questions or issues to help you get the most from your appointment. A support person. You are welcome to have a family member/whaanau or friend with you during the appointment. Just remember to tell the health profesisonal who is with you when you join your appointment.

Starting your video appointment

5-10 minutes before your appointment, find and open your video appointment email or text message.
If you would like to test your internet connection and setup using Zoom click here.
At the time of your video appointment click Join your video call appointment via Zoom link. The Zoom software will automatically start. Please remember to select Join with video and Join with audio. If joining from an iPad or similar device select Call using internet audio or Call using device audio.
Once joined, you should be in the video waiting room ready to start your appointment.
Your doctor, nurse or healthcare professional will join your video call when they are ready.
Say "hello" and wave when connected.

What to expect during a video appointment

You may be asked to confirm your identity.
If another person is with you, introduce them to the health professional.
When you are ready you can talk to your health professional about your health.
If you want to show the health professional something, you can try to use the screen camera.
You may receive important information like changes to your medication.
You can ask the health professional to repeat information to confirm you both have it correctly.
If something goes wrong with the call, we will call you back by Zoom or telephone.
After the health professional has finished talking with you, they will arrange things like letters, tests and other appointments if needed.
We will say "goodbye" before we go.

If all goes well, the call will feel like an in-person appointment.