After Hours GP visits in Nelson Marlborough are free for children under 6 years-of-age from the 1 July 2012.

This has come about in the Nelson Marlborough district through agreements established between Nelson Marlborough District Health Board, Nelson Bays Primary Health and Kimi Hauora Wairau Marlborough PHO.

Nelson Marlborough District Health Board Community Based Services Directorate Service Manager Bruce Moorhead said, "Wherever possible patients should see their regular GP - they know their patients' health needs best."

"After hours services are for urgent health issues on evenings, weekends and public holidays when people would normally see their family doctor."

As a first point of contact for after hours services he asked people in Nelson Marlborough to call the nurse-led help line by phoning their regular GP.

"This helpline will help you to establish whether to see your regular GP, or whether you should go to the After Hours Clinic," said Mr Moorhead.

"If you don't have a regular GP, you should enrol with one now before you get sick.

"Enrolment with a GP encourages a strong relationship with the people who look after your health who will get to know you and/or your family and be familiar with your health needs," he said.

The hours of opening for Nelson Medical and Injury Centre are 8am to 10pm daily. In Blenheim, the Marlborough After Hours GPs operate from 6pm to 10pm weekdays and from 8am to 10pm on weekends and public holidays.