9 December 2025

After Hours - Need to see a Doctor after hours?  As a rural resident you can access Ka Ora, a rural telehealth provider, by phoning our number (03 3144506), or Ka Ora on  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. If an in person consultation is required, Ka Ora will advise most appropriate action, with either our on call rural nurses or another service.

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.

Opening Hours Are usual days but not the Statutory Holidays ie we are closed 25^th and 26^th December 2025  and the 1^st and 2^nd of January 2026.

Measles –New Zealand has a Measles outbreak and while we have no known cases in our area at the moment, we should be vigilant.  Measles is one of the most contagious viruses. It spreads very easily from person to person by breathing in air after a person with measles has sneezed, coughed, talked or even just breathed. Measles can also be spread after touching tissues, toys or other surfaces contaminated with an infected person’s nose and throat secretions (snot and saliva). Measles is a serious illness causing long term health problems in some cases. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a rash – if you have any of these please let our receptionist know if you are ringing to make an appointment, as we will need to make arrangements to do this safely. Important points to note:

• People born between 1969 and 2004 may not have received a full course of MMR vaccine.
• About 1 in 3 people with measles will need hospital care.  
•  If you are unsure if you have 2 documented doses of the MMR vaccine please ring and speak to the practice nurse. The vaccine is free for all children under 18 and adults eligible for funded healthcare in NZ.
• For further information:  https://info.health.nz/conditions-treatments/infectious-diseases/about-measles/measles

Walking Group  - we are looking for people who might be interested in joining a walking group on Friday mornings, starting at the Health Centre.  This will be led by our Community Support Worker, Yvette.  All abilities and ages are welcome. Please call and register your interest with our reception team.

Have you checked how much medication you have left with the holiday period approaching?  DO NOT LEAVE THIS TILL THE LAST MINUTE, as we may not be able to fulfil all requests.  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 - 2 weeks 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.

12 month prescriptions – NZ will increase the maximum length of prescriptions from 3 to 12 months from early 2026, allowing prescribers to issue a single prescription for up to a year if it is appropriate and safe for the patient. Medication will still be dispensed 3 monthly.  This change will affect a limited number of patients whom the GP deems to be stable on particular medication. It will not apply to most medicines, including controlled drugs.

New phone number, address or Email? Please let us know if you have changed your contact details so that we can keep our records up to date.

WellApp – Our patient portal is available, for registered patients. The App can be used on your smart phone to book appointments, check your results and request repeat prescriptions.  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. 

Physio – a reminder that Ben Cameron is here every Wednesday – you do not need to see the GP for a referral, please phone reception at the Health Centre to book an appointment.

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 Make an appointment button on our website.

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.