GP Services

Our doctors are affiliated with the Royal New Zealand College of GPs. We provide a full range of general practice consultations. We allocate 15 minutes for consultations which is generally enough time to deal with one major or two minor issues. If you have a several or complex issues, you will need to book a double or extra appointment.

We are able to provide assistance for minor injuries and accidents. Our nurses provide telephone advice and work closely with the doctors in all aspects of patient care. They offer skills in wound care management.

Our team is experienced at managing our young patients at the time of their routine 6 week, 3 month and 5 month visits, and in addition to times when your child is unwell and needs a visit. All of our nurses are trained in immunisations.

We recommend that from time to time you should have a personal health check. Early detection of medical problems are considered preventative health management. Please indicate to reception that you require a 30 minute wellness check when you book in. We are particularly interested in identifying and treating risk factors for heart disease, stroke and some cancers. People over 40 are encouraged to have a wellness check 1-2 yearly. It is also worth having at least 2 checks in your 30s, particularly if you have a family history of medical problems.

Women’s Health

We have 4 female doctors in our team who are able to see to your needs. They have a wide range of skill set including contraceptive advice, STI checks, Mirena insertion, Menopause and hormone related problems and general gynaecological issues. We also have a visiting midwife for pregnant mothers. Don’t forget your routine screening procedures. Breast Screening Aoteoroa provides free 2 yearly screening mammograms for those aged between 45 and 70 years. We encourage our women to have yearly mammograms from 40-50 and every 2 years from 50 onwards. We also encourage women to have a breast examination prior to having their mammogram to optimise pick up of breast abnormalities.
2 of our nurses do smears also.

Men’s Health

From the age of 40 we suggest you make an appointment for an annual check of your health. This will likely include BP, weight, skin and general medical examination as well as a check for diabetes, cholesterol and prostate, and any changes you might have noticed to your health. For a complete and thorough check we recommend allowing 30 minutes. We also have programmes for weight management and smoking cessation.

Our team are knowledgeable and experienced in dealing with many long term health problems. These are best managed with active patient involvement and understanding. We encourage regular reviews to monitor and discuss your condition & your concerns. Some specific examples include:

Diabetes

Diabetes is an increasing problem in our community. We encourage patients to have regular checks & particularly recommend an extended annual diabetes check with both nurse & doctor. It is important to regularly monitor many aspects of your health including blood sugar levels & HbA1c, cholesterol, BP , weight, kidney function, your vision and your skin and circulation.

Asthma

Good control of asthma prevents chronic respiratory disease & reduces chest infections. There is now a wide range of inhalers to improve lung function. Free flu vaccines are also available for all asthma patients on preventive puffers and chronic lung disease patients.

Heart Failure

All our doctors are experienced in diagnosis & management of heart failure. We are able to use the services of a designated heart failure nurse from the DHB who is able to work with the GP in the community and visit patients at home who have severe or difficult to control heart failure to optimise management.

Skin cancer is common in New Zealand. A skin check-up should be carried out every year or two, especially in fair skinned people. Several of our doctors have special training in dermatoscopy, which involves magnified examinations and photographing skin spots for diagnosis and future comparisons.

Our doctors are skilled in minor surgery. We are able to remove or biopsy skin problems. Please talk to your doctor about your procedure, as costs will vary.

Before your overseas trip it is important to get advice on how to remain healthy. Your travel health is not simple and involves much more than just getting a few vaccinations. You need to get things sorted out at least 6 weeks prior to departing. You will need to consult with the doctor in the first instance. The doctor will discuss your health needs and give advice, prescribe malaria prevention and travel medications when necessary, and authorise any needed vaccinations. Our nurses are trained vaccinators and we can administer all the common vaccinations. The doctors will prescribe malaria prevention and travel medications when necessary.
It is vital to bring a detailed itinerary of your planned journey and any previous travel vaccination records that you may have. The entire visit will involve extra time for both the doctor and nurses.

Speak to our GP’s or nurses if you feel sad, anxious or have a mental health problem. We can help you deal with your problems and access the appropriate services.

One of our GP’s has been involved in the management of patients with eating disorders and in liaison with a psychiatrist as well as a dietitian specialising in this field, we have successfully supported a number of patients with this problem out in the community.