Infectious diseases (ID) is the specialised branch of medicine which deals with diagnosis, management and prevention of various infections- diseases caused by viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms. Some of these infections may be contagious e.g. tuberculosis and measles. Whilst many infectious diseases are common and can be treated by other doctors,  certain types of infections, infections in people with compromised immune system or those in returning overseas travellers require input from ID specialist physicians.

The Infectious Diseases team at Waitemata DHB consists of 4 specialist doctors with expertise in this branch of medicine. In addition we have two infectious diseases trainee doctors (registrars) who take calls and referrals during working hours 8am till 4.30pm Monday to Friday. The ID team works closely with microbiologists, specialist nurses, public health and pharmacists to deliver comprehensive care for a wide range of infections e.g. meningitis, pneumonia, bone and joint infections, post-operative infections, etc. This includes a large OPIVA service (outpatient intravenous antibiotic therapy) where certain patients can have ongoing antibiotics continued after discharge with monitoring through the team. In addition they provide advice to general practitioners and other healthcare professionals in the community. If patients have conditions that don't require hospitalisation, they can be referred by their GP to the outpatient clinic for review e.g. viral hepatitis, recurrent boils, tuberculosis, travel-associated infections, etc.

Patients with HIV/AIDS who require inpatient or outpatient care are managed by the Infectious Disease Service at Auckland City Hospital. Patients who require consideration of HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) should be discussed with the ID service at ADHB. We are unable to see patients requesting advice regarding HIV PreP.