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.
The ID team at Waitemata DHB consists of 6 specialist doctors with expertise in this branch of medicine.  Whilst infections are common, and most can be treated by non-specialist doctors, specific infections involving prosthetic implants, people with compromised immune system, returning overseas travellers, serious infections, infections with public health significance like tuberculosis, or emerging infections often require input from the ID team. We have successfully diagnosed and managed initial cases of H1N1 influenza (commonly known as swine flu), COVID-19, Mpox, and a new type of human malaria (plasmodium knowlesi).
There are 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. COVID-19, meningitis, pneumonia, bone and joint infections, post-surgical infections etc. This includes a large OPAT service (outpatient antimicrobial therapy) where certain patients can have ongoing antibiotics continued after discharge with monitoring through our team. In addition they provide advice to general practitioners and other healthcare professionals in the community. Outpatient consultation services are available with 4-5 clinics a week. Patients referred from the community can be either seen in person, through telehealth (video), phone or remote advice. 

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.