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National Bowel Screening Programme/ Tairāwhiti
Public Service, Gastroenterology, Community Health
Today
8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Description
The National Bowel Screening Programme is free for men and women aged 60 to 74 years. It aims to save lives by finding bowel cancer at an early stage when it can often be successfully treated.
If you are eligible to take part, you will be sent:
- an invitation letter
- a consent form
- a free bowel screening test kit, with instructions on how to use it.
The test can be done at home and is simple to do. Find out more at Doing the test.
You may be eligible to receive a kit earlier. Call 0800 924 432 for further information.
Ages
Older adult / Kaumātua
How do I access this service?
Contact us, Referral
Referral Expectations
You will be invited to take part in free bowel screening unless you tell us you don’t want to. You can opt out by calling freephone 0800 924 432. If you move house or change your postal address, please contact us to update your address so that your next invitation letter reaches you.
Those people who are eligible will receive an invitation letter, home testing-kit and consent form through the mail.
Eligible participants will receive their first invitation within two years of the programme starting. This will include:
- an invitation letter
- a consent form
- a free bowel screening test kit, with instructions on how to use it
Positive results are communicated by the participant’s local GP. Providers will manage referrals and encourage, educate and support patients to undergo a colonoscopy.
If further treatment is required, providers will work in partnership with Tairāwhiti DHB to ensure prompt and appropriate treatment for patients. People with negative results will be invited every two years, until they reach 75 years of age, to participate in the programme again.
Fees and Charges Description
All tests and treatment are free for eligible people (those entitled to receive public healthcare, and who are not currently receiving treatment, or under surveillance for bowel cancer.)
Hours
8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
| Mon – Fri | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
|---|
Public Holidays: Closed Auckland Anniversary (26 Jan), Waitangi Day (6 Feb), Good Friday (3 Apr), Easter Sunday (5 Apr), Easter Monday (6 Apr), ANZAC Day (observed) (27 Apr), King's Birthday (1 Jun), Matariki (10 Jul), Labour Day (26 Oct).
Christmas: Open 22 Dec — 24 Dec. Closed 25 Dec — 4 Jan. Open 5 Jan — 9 Jan.
Services Provided
Health screening tests check for health conditions or early warning signs of disease.
Health screening tests check for health conditions or early warning signs of disease.
Service types: Community health screening, Bowel screening.
Health screening tests check for health conditions or early warning signs of disease.
Visiting Hours
Pharmacy
Click here to find your nearest community pharmacy.
Other
Click here for more information about your trip to Tairāwhiti Hospital, including:
- Travel directions
- Public transport
- Parking
- Whānau Room
Contact Details
8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
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This page was last updated at 11:41AM on December 3, 2025. This information is reviewed and edited by National Bowel Screening Programme/ Tairāwhiti.