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.

Click here to read patient information flyer (PDF, 1.7 MB)

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

	Charge your computer, tablet or smartphone. It should have a built in camera and microphone.
	Have good internet connection. You can use data but Wi-Fi offers a better experience.
	Find a quiet space with good lighting and a space where you won't be disturbed during your appointment.
	Please don't drive while attending your telehealth session.
	Join your telehealth appointment with any of the following browsers - Chrome, Firefox or Safari.
	Install the free Zoom app if you are using mobile device 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.

Read the instruction sheet on how to prepare yourself for your video (telehealth) appointment (PDF, 1.6 MB)

How to download Zoom app

These documents show how you can download Zoom aap

Instructions for Android users to join ‘Zoom’ appointment with Clinicians (PDF, 973 KB)
Instructions for iPhone users to join ‘Zoom’ appointment with Clinicians (PDF, 1.1 MB)

If device being used is a Computer (with camera/speaker), tablet, iPad – you will not need to download the Zoom App.

Just click the ‘Join Meeting’ link from the email reminder that you will receive the day before their Video Conference appointment.

How to make sure my device works before by video conferencing appointment

Before your appointment, test the device you plan to use.

Use this link to do a self test https://zoom.us/test

NOTE: This is a testing link is provided by Zoom not Counties Manukau Health. There will not be a healthcare provider on the test call.

Starting your video appointment

Log into your device 5-10 minutes before your appointment and open the email or text message you recieved.
If you would like to test your internet connection and setup using Zoom click here.
Click the 'Join telehealth appointment link'.
When the Zoom link opens, select options to use video and 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.

For Zoom video tutorials, go to https://support.zoom.us/hc

If you have support whaanau with you, please let the health professional know.

If there are any issues, the health professional will call you on your phone.

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.