A Whangarei emergency clinic says it's been forced to charge for treating sick under fourteen year olds, who would normally be seen free because of rising costs and a shortfall in funding.
And it could force more patients to go to already slammed hospital emergency departments.
Earlier this month the Whangarei White Cross clinic started charging $49 to see children with medical conditions during normal clinic hours.
After hours and accidents are still funded. Tamaki Health, which owns the clinic says it is in negotiations with Te Whatu Ora for top-up funding for day medical visits.
And C-E-O Dr Lloyd McCann says he knows charges are tough for some some families.
