Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa expands same-day appointments nationwide to cut wait times and boost access to urgent sexual health care.

Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa is expanding same-day appointment access across all New Zealand clinics through open access scheduling, reserving part of each clinician’s time for walk-in bookings. This follows an earlier online booking system that allows clients to schedule, reschedule, or cancel appointments remotely. The change aims to reduce wait times, improve access to urgent care like STI testing, and clear appointment backlogs. Pilot programs in Gisborne, Manukau, Henderson, and Lower Hutt showed most clients could secure same-day or convenient appointments. Drop-in visits are being phased out at most clinics, with clients now encouraged to book via website or phone in the morning. The initiative supports greater equity, flexibility, and timely access to sexual health services nationwide.