Your lifestyle has a huge influence on the health and social services you choose, and the Bay of Plenty is well equipped with health professionals, medical centres, alternative therapies and cosmetic services available to you.
Tauranga has a modern, progressive health service, including five private hospitals and a major 360-bed public hospital which has recently undergone a $163 million expansion Tauranga Hospital offers 24 hour emergency services, an intensive care unit, acute and elective surgery programmes as well as medical, maternity, paediatric and psychiatric services. There is also a surgical ward, outpatients facilities and a radiology department.
The Bay of Plenty Clinical School administers undergraduate and postgraduate training for the Bay of Plenty District Health Board, with a campus in both Tauranga and Whakatane. Students are able to complete the practical parts of their study towards qualifications in midwifery, psychology, speech and language, physiotherapy, social work and related health disciplines. The school also coordinates the District Health Board’s research activity.
Medical centres of up to 14 general practitioners are spread throughout the region providing a high level of medical care on a 24 hour basis. In addition, Promed Urology, a world leader in its field, is based in Tauranga and undertakes comprehensive treatment and research as well as being an accredited teaching site for advanced urological training for the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. The city's other state-of-the-art services include specialist dementia care, world-recognised treatment for rheumatoid and skeletal disease, and dermatology and oncology specialists.
The Bay of Plenty is fortunate enough to be served by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, providing a dedicated 24-hour, seven day a week emergency service. Often making a life or death difference, the service is used when someone is very sick or badly injured and needs to get to hospital quickly, or if an accident has occurred in a difficult location. The helicopter is like a fully equipped intensive care unit in the sky, with a defibrillator and full life support system.
Another area of consideration for many is the ability to take time out from a busy life for a bit of pampering. Tauranga has a thriving beauty therapy sector offering a full range of beauty services and products. A number of facilities specialise in day spa treatments and massage therapy, including therapeutic body wraps, acupuncture, aromatherapy and reflexology. In addition, there are several cosmetic surgery centres in the region offering surgical and non-surgical options in body shaping and skin care.