Invercargill’s low-cost general practice, Te Hau o Te Ora, which also operates the city’s After Hours Service, is relocating to 65 Don Street and will begin welcoming patients from Monday, 28 July.

The current Clyde Street clinic will remain open for after-hours care over the weekend of 26–27 July, ensuring no disruption to services.

The move marks a milestone for the joint venture between WellSouth Primary Health Network, Te Rūnaka o Awarua, and Hokonui Rūnanga Inc., aimed at delivering accessible healthcare to the community, especially Māori and Pasifika whānau.

“WellSouth CEO Andrew Swanson-Dobbs said the shift was long overdue.

‘After 18 years in the old premises, and following the opening of Te Hau o Te Ora a couple of years ago, we saw and took the opportunity to move the practice and PHO staff to a space that was better suited,’ he said.

‘Finding the nearby premises has been fortunate, as we have been able to retrofit the existing building.’”

Inside image (staff room) from left to right: WellSouth Primary Care Network Team Relationship Manager Daniela Duggan, General Manager Te Hau o Te Ora Amy de Vries, WellSouth Clinical Operations Manager Katrina Braxton. Photo: Supplied

WellSouth, which provides clinical services across Southland and Otago, will also move into the new Don Street facility, occupying the first floor, while Te Hau o Te Ora and the After Hours Service will be located on the ground floor.

Hokonui Rūnanga Manager Terry Nicholas said the low-cost practice had met a lot of need and was fully enrolled.

"While the new clinic doesn’t necessarily enable more patients to enrol, it does ensure the current patient community has a more modern, more accessible, light space with all the same wonderful staff and services.”

Around 50 staff from the PHO and general practice will move to the new site in the days leading up to the opening.

Patients will benefit from free parking at the rear of the building, with additional council-paid parking and accessibility parks adjacent to the site.