Need Treatment Without Waiting for a GP?
Our accredited pharmacists can assess and provide treatment for a range of common health conditions — often without needing a GP appointment.
Faster access to care for eligible patients, right here in Petone.
What Are Pharmacy Extended Services?
Pharmacy Extended Services allow specially trained and accredited pharmacists to assess and manage selected health conditions within their professional scope of practice.
This initiative improves access to timely healthcare — particularly for common conditions where patients would otherwise wait days for a GP appointment. For eligible patients, treatment can often be provided directly through the pharmacy, saving time and supporting better health outcomes for our community. The funded programme was significantly expanded in 2026, with more conditions added from 1 October 2026 — see the full list below.
At Unichem Petone Pharmacy, we offer these consultations in our private consultation rooms, ensuring a professional, confidential and comfortable experience.
Conditions We Can Help With
Our accredited pharmacists can assess and treat the following conditions, subject to eligibility criteria:
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Eligible women aged 16–65 yearsUTIs can cause painful, urgent and frequent urination along with lower abdominal discomfort. Our accredited pharmacists can assess your symptoms and, where clinically appropriate, provide treatment — without the need for a GP appointment. We'll also advise when further medical care may be needed.
Emergency Contraception (ECP)
All ages · Completely free if under 30Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. Our pharmacists provide confidential consultations in a private room, giving you access to treatment and informed advice quickly and discreetly. If you're under 30, both the consultation and the medicine are free.
Pain & Fever in Children
Children under 14 yearsPain and fever in children is often caused by minor infections and illnesses. Our pharmacists can assess symptoms and recommend safe, age-appropriate medicines alongside guidance on home management and when to seek further care.
Conjunctivitis
Children under 14 yearsConjunctivitis (pink eye) causes redness, discharge and irritation. Our pharmacists can assess your child's symptoms and provide appropriate treatment and hygiene advice to support recovery and reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
Head Lice Treatment
All agesHead lice are common in school-aged children and can spread quickly through households. Our team can recommend effective treatments and provide practical advice on removal and prevention for the whole family.
Scabies Treatment
Children under 14 & their whānauScabies is a highly contagious skin condition caused by tiny mites. Our pharmacists can assess symptoms, provide treatment, and guide your household through management steps to prevent reinfection.
Dehydration from Diarrhoea
Children under 14 yearsTummy bugs can quickly lead to dehydration in young children. Our pharmacists can provide oral rehydration solutions and practical advice on keeping your child hydrated at home — and when to seek further care.
Mild Eczema & Dermatitis
Children under 14 yearsDry, itchy, irritated skin is common in children. We can provide moisturisers (emollients), wash alternatives and hydrocortisone 1% cream where appropriate, with guidance on daily skincare routines.
School Sores (Minor Skin Infections)
Children under 14 yearsImpetigo (school sores) is a common bacterial skin infection in children. Our pharmacists can assess affected areas and provide antiseptic treatments alongside hygiene advice to stop the spread.
Fungal Skin Infections
Children under 14 yearsRingworm and other fungal skin infections respond well to early treatment. Our team can assess the affected skin and provide antifungal creams where suitable.
Oral Thrush
Children under 14 yearsOral thrush causes white patches and soreness in the mouth. Our pharmacists can recommend or provide the right antifungal gel or liquid for your child's age, with advice on preventing recurrence.
Vaginal Thrush
18+ with a Community Services CardVaginal thrush can often be treated without a GP visit. If you hold a Community Services Card, our pharmacists can assess your symptoms and provide antifungal treatment when it's clinically appropriate.
Contraceptive Pill Supply
Ages 16–52, already taking the pillIf you've been taking a funded oral contraceptive prescribed by your doctor within the last 3 years, our pharmacists can re-supply your pill without needing a new prescription — handy when yours runs out or you're away from your usual GP.
Eligibility criteria apply. If you don't meet the criteria for a funded service, our pharmacists may still be able to provide care and advice, or recommend over-the-counter treatment. If further medical care is needed, we'll refer you promptly.
What Will It Cost?
Following the national expansion of funded pharmacy services in 2026, here's a quick guide to how the funded service is charged. You pay a consultation fee plus a co-payment for any medicine supplied.
| Item | Standard | With Community Services Card |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation fee | Up to $20 (one fee covers your immediate family) | No more than $5 |
| Medicine co-payment (each item) | $5 for ages 14–64 Free for children under 14 and adults 65+ | Free for CSC families |
| Emergency contraception | Free if under 30 (consultation and medicine) | Free if under 30 |
For example: if your 10-year-old has diarrhoea and needs an oral rehydration solution, you'd pay the consultation fee (up to $20, or $5 with a CSC) — and the medicine is free because they're under 14. A family with head lice or scabies and a Community Services Card pays one $5 family consultation fee, with treatment free.
These are national guideline prices for the funded minor ailments service, as set out by Health New Zealand. Fees and eligibility can change — please confirm current pricing with our team when you book or visit. If you don't meet the funded criteria, we can still help with advice and over-the-counter options.
Why Choose Unichem Petone?
Convenient Local Access
Right here on Jackson Street — no travel to a GP clinic required.
No Long Waiting Times
See an accredited pharmacist faster than waiting for a GP appointment.
Private Consultation Rooms
Confidential, clinical-grade consultation environment.
Accredited Pharmacists
Specially trained and accredited to assess and treat eligible conditions.
Trusted for Over 40 Years
A locally owned pharmacy with deep roots in the Petone community.
Referral If Required
We'll direct you to the right healthcare provider if needed.
What to Expect
- 1Book online or walk in during opening hours.
- 2Meet privately with an accredited pharmacist in our consultation room.
- 3Your condition and symptoms are assessed.
- 4Treatment options are discussed openly.
- 5Medication supplied if clinically appropriate.
- 6Referral to a GP or specialist arranged if required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Book a Consultation?
Book online or call us. Appointments are recommended — walk-ins may be available depending on pharmacist availability.
Opening Hours
- Monday – Friday9:00am – 5:30pm
- Saturday9:00am – 4:00pm
- SundayClosed
Appointments recommended — book online to secure your time.