The introduction of free GP visits for under 13s has made it easier for Bay of Plenty families to access medical care for their sick children.

Data provided by the Bay of Plenty District Health Board show there were a total of 11,000 visits by children to their GP during the first quarter (July to September) of the 2015/16 year.

The number of visits made by children under 13 to their GP's between July and September of the 2015/16 year increased by 14 per cent for the same period in 2014/15. Photo: File

The number of visits had increased by about 14 per cent on the 9600 visits during the same period the previous year.

In July of last year, all New Zealand children aged under 13 became eligible to access free visits with their enrolled general practice and after-hours services, as well as free prescriptions.

Planning & Funding general manager Simon Everitt says the BOPDHB are really pleased with the increase in the numbers of children visiting doctors.

'Because a GP provides continuity of care and is usually the first point of contact anyone will have with the medical system,” he says.

'In addition to providing medical attention needed for both acute and chronic conditions, a GP will also offer health education, preventative care, routine immunisations and medical advice.”

According to the Ministry of Health, the rates of children visiting their GP is 23 per cent higher than the first quarter of the 2014/15 year.

The data also shows more Maori and Pacific children are being seen by their GP with a 25 per cent increase for Maori and a 21 per cent increase for Pacific peoples. In the Bay, there was an increase of 14 per cent for Maori children.

Simon says all general practices across the Bay are now offering free GP visits to under 13's which has positively contributed to the high uptake of the scheme.

'It's important to acknowledge the hard work of the general practitioners, their nursing teams and support teams who have positively responded to this new Government initiative.

'The BOPDHB will continue to work with its general practice and community pharmacy providers to support this programme which will have positive health benefits for the children of the Bay of Plenty.”

In Budget 2014, the Government committed $90 million over three years to extend free GP visits and prescriptions to children under 13. This programme is supported by the extra $400 million being invested into the health sector this year, taking the health budget to a record $15.9 billion.

Of the 1015 general practices across New Zealand, only 10 had chosen not to provide free GP visits for under 13s as of January 1, 2016.