26 July 2024

After Hours – There is always a rural nurse specialist on call - please phone the Health Centre on the number below during normal business hours and after hours and you will be directed to the appropriate assistance. The After Hours calls are managed by Whakarongorau Aotearoa formerly HML (Homecare Medical Ltd) who will assess your needs and advise your best course of action.

Need to see a Doctor after hours?  As a rural resident you can access Ka Ora, a rural telehealth provider, by phoning 0800 252 672 or through the website www.kaora.co.nz, where you can book an appointment with a Doctor between the hours of 5pm and 8am Monday to Friday and 24 hours at weekends and holidays.  There is a charge for this service, children under 14 are free.

Dr Owen Miller is well settled in to his GP role, with us.  Thank you all for making him welcome.  He is enjoying meeting our patients, some of whom have known him a long time, from his formative years. Dr John Dumsday is helping us out with some Mondays in addition to Dr Miller.  Dr Sarah Ballam is here on Wednesdays and has a special interest in women’s health matters.  Dr Kerr Wright also relieves for us from time to time.

When ringing for an appointment you must advise us if you have any respiratory symptoms – cough, sore throat, runny nose, fever, shortness of breath, temporary loss of smell. COVID-19 is still circulating.  

WellApp – Our patient portal is now available, for registered patients. The App can be used on your smart phone to book appointments and request repeat prescriptions.  More functionality will be available once we have these things streamlined. For those who prefer, it can also be used on a computer, instead of a smart phone.

      1.   Download ‘Well NZ’ on the App Store or Google Play

• Select ‘Create Account’ and enter the invite code: WHWAIK
• Enter your details – these must match what we hold on file. 

Flu vaccine season is here, and is circulating.  Please call to book for your annual flu shot.  The criteria for funded vaccination varies each year. If you are not funded the cost is $24.

Crutches Amnesty – do you have any of our crutches hiding in a cupboard – please could we have them back to lend to others who may need them?

Challenging Times – free and confidential assistance is available through Rural Support Trust – Phone 0800 787 254. If you have concerns about your mental health please phone us for an appointment or if you are worried about someone else encourage them to do the same.  Taking time to check in with friends and neighbours can be beneficial for both parties.   https://mentalhealth.org.nz/five-ways-to-wellbeing

Repeat Prescriptions -If the GP has authorized you to phone for a repeat prescription, in lieu of a consultation, it is good practice to do this when you still have at least 1 week supply left.  Due to resource pressure it may be 48 hours before the prescription is actioned.  If you do not receive the prescription after 48 hours, please let us know in case there has been an issue.

Waikari Health Centre Ph 03 3144 506. In an Emergency dial 111.Website www.waikarihealth.co.nz  Find and like us on Facebook You can now book appointments with us online – click the Book Now button on our website.

17 May 2024

After Hours – There is always a rural nurse specialist on call - please phone the Health Centre on the number below during normal business hours and after hours and you will be directed to the appropriate assistance. The After Hours calls are managed by Whakarongorau Aotearoa formerly HML (Homecare Medical Ltd) who will assess your needs and advise your best course of action.

Need to see a Doctor after hours?  As a rural resident you can access Ka Ora, a rural telehealth provider, by phoning 0800 252 672 or through the website www.kaora.co.nz, where you can book an appointment with a Doctor between the hours of 5pm and 8am Monday to Friday and 24 hours at weekends and holidays.  There is a charge for this service, children under 14 are free.

When ringing for an appointment you must advise us if you have any respiratory symptoms – cough, sore throat, runny nose, fever, shortness of breath, temporary loss of smell. COVID-19 is still circulating.  

• If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, it is important to do a Rapid Antigen Test and if positive, it is recommended isolate for at least 5 days or until you are better whichever comes later.
•  Rapid Antigen Tests are available at Waikari Health Centre.

WellApp – Our patient portal is now available, for registered patients. The App can be used on your smart phone to book appointments and request repeat prescriptions.  More functionality will be available once we have these things streamlined. For those who prefer, it can also be used on a computer, instead of a smart phone.

      1.   Download ‘Well NZ’ on the App Store or Google Play

• Select ‘Create Account’ and enter the invite code: WHWAIK
• Enter your details – these must match what we hold on file. 

FREE MOBILE STOP SMOKING CLINIC – in Waikari Friday 31 May 10am -2pm .  Waikari Health Centre carpark.  FREE PATCHES, GUM AND LOZENGES.  FREE ONGOING MOTIVATIONAL SUPPORT.

Covid Boosters – the updated covid vaccine is available.  Eligibility applies, so please call us to find out if you can book an appointment for this.  Covid loves a party and it is the season….. As a minimum time frame you need to wait 6 months from a previous covid vaccine or the illness.

Flu vaccine season is here.  Please call to book for your annual flu shot.  The criteria for funded vaccination varies each year. If you are not funded the cost is $24.

Challenging Times – free and confidential assistance is available through Rural Support Trust – Phone 0800 787 254. If you have concerns about your mental health please phone us for an appointment or if you are worried about someone else encourage them to do the same.  Taking time to check in with friends and neighbours can be beneficial for both parties.   https://mentalhealth.org.nz/five-ways-to-wellbeing

Repeat Prescriptions -If the GP has authorized you to phone for a repeat prescription, in lieu of a consultation, it is good practice to do this when you still have at least 1 week supply left.  Due to resource pressure it may be 48 hours before the prescription is actioned.  If you do not receive the prescription after 48 hours, please let us know in case there has been an issue.

Waikari Health Centre Ph 03 3144 506. In an Emergency dial 111.Website www.waikarihealth.co.nz  Find and like us on Facebook You can now book appointments with us online – click the Book Now button on our website.