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Access to specialist health services in the New Zealand public health system is controlled by a process of referral by health practitioners authorised to do so.
This includes the GPs at Riccarton Clinic.
We maintain excellent links with specialists in public and private practice in Christchurch and will make a referral to them even if you do not normally see a doctor at Riccarton Clinic.
The specialist will assess your condition and recommend the best option of care for you. There are several possible outcomes depending on how urgent your condition is and what resources the hospital has available. The specialist may even decide that a service is not available to you, even though you would benefit from it. If this happens, you and your GP (or primary care provider) will be informed, and they will discuss with you your best options of care.