The Doctors NZ

28/10/2025

Hay Fever season 🤧

If you are sneezing, dealing with itchy eyes, or a runny nose, hay fever may be the culprit!

Here are some quick tips to help you feel better:

✅ Keep windows closed during high pollen days

✅ Change clothes after being outside

✅ Talk to your GP about relief options

Book an appointment now - https://www.thedoctors.co.nz/book-appointment

26/10/2025

Happy Labour Day!

All our medical centres are closed on public holidays, except Urgent Care Centres, which remain open for walk-in services.

If it’s an emergency, dial 111.

If you need urgent medical assistance, visit your nearest A&E or Urgent Care Centre.

For regular GP and healthcare appointments after the long weekend, you can book via our patient portal.

21/10/2025

A self-requested health test helped save a life! Saad Mansour detected early-stage prostate cancer through a simple PSA test, all thanks to BODYiQ, a self-requested health and blood testing service. The Doctors Online partnered with Awanui Labs to provide clinical follow-up for abnormal results, helping you take control of your health.

Read the full story here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/from-routine-health-screen-life-saving-surgery-my-prostate-mansour-mo96c/

13/10/2025

Breast Changes? Don’t wait. Get Checked, fast.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month – a timely reminder to do regular self-checks, as early detection is vital. If you’ve noticed something unusual – like a lump, swelling, or skin changes – and can’t get a same-day appointment at your usual clinic, we’re here to help.

You can speak to one of our online doctors, and if you’ve taken photos beforehand, that can really help. They’ll assess your symptoms, provide support, and recommend in-person follow up if needed.

We encourage everyone to know what their breasts normally look and feel like, and to understand what common changes to watch out for. Breast Cancer NZ recommends checking your breasts once every year.

If you have any concerns or want to learn more about breast health, don't hesitate to book an appointment with us. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Click here for more information from the experts: https://www.breastcancerfoundation.org.nz/

To book an appointment click here: https://m-the-doctors-online.indicipms.nz/

09/10/2025

October is Health Literacy Month – a great time to remind ourselves how important it is to understand and use health information to make the best decisions for our well-being.

Understanding your health shouldn’t be confusing. If you don’t understand something, please don’t hesitate to ask for clarity – we want to empower your health journey at all stages of life.

Improving your health literacy leads to better health.

Healthify is a great place to start: https://healthify.nz/

05/10/2025

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week. Over 25% of Kiwis experience poor mental wellbeing. If you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, it’s important to seek professional support. Health Improvement Practitioners and Health Coaches are available for a consult at many of our medical centres – and it’s free to see them! https://www.thedoctors.co.nz/services/mental-health

01/10/2025

How healthy is your heart? Find out in just 5 minutes with the Heart Foundation’s free online tool. https://www.heartfoundation.org.nz/your-heart/my-heart-check Book an appointment with your regular GP if you have any concerns.

29/09/2025

80% of all new cancers are skin cancer in NZ. As we head into warmer months the best skin protection is a SPF50 sunscreen and covering up. If you have skin concerns, chat to our GP team. We’ll let you know if you need further assessment. https://thedoctors.co.nz/services/skin-checks-and-skin-cancer

25/09/2025

The Doctors Whakatipu has recently launched a mobile health check-up service for a week each month, offering free and easy access for basic health support to the Queenstown community.

It's a great opportunity to drop in - no appointment needed - and get a health check-up with our paramedic Dean Brown.

These visits rotate between locations (currently Luggate and Glenorch), so keep an eye out on The Doctors Whakatipu page for upcoming dates!

23/09/2025

Did you know high blood pressure often has no symptoms? A quick check with your GP could give you peace of mind. Find out more: https://healthify.nz/health-a-z/b/blood-pressure

22/09/2025

Struggling with intrusive thoughts? Anxiety? Need support with lifestyle changes? Health Improvement Practitioners and Health Coaches are available for a consult at many of our medical centres – and it’s free to see them! Learn more: https://thedoctors.co.nz/healthcare-team/health-improvement-practitioners-and-health-coaches

02/09/2025

🏡 Moving soon? You may not need to change healthcare providers!

With over 65 medical centres nationwide, we can help you transfer to one of our other practices. Speak to our team before you go to find out more.

View our full list of medical centres here: https://thedoctors.co.nz/

27/08/2025

👋 Meet Nasra – Our New Health Improvement Practitioner

Born and raised in New Zealand with family roots in Somalia, Nasra brings over nine years of experience in mental health as an occupational therapist and registered health improvement specialist.

She’s passionate about supporting people to improve their mental wellbeing, offering a safe and supportive space during life’s challenges. For Nasra, the most rewarding part of her work is making a positive difference in people’s lives.

🌍 Outside of work, Nasra loves travelling and exploring new cultures, going for long walks, and spending time with family and friends.

We’re thrilled to have her on board – please join us in giving Nasra a warm welcome!

25/08/2025

👶 Could your child have allergies?

Allergic reactions can start early and may look different in pēpi (babies) and tamariki (children) than in adults.

Keep an eye out for signs like:
🔹 Ongoing eczema or rashes
🔹 Frequent sneezing or coughing
🔹 Wheezing or shortness of breath
🔹 Tummy troubles after certain foods
🔹 Unusual fussiness after feeding

Mild symptoms can often be managed at home, but it’s a good idea to chat with your GP or nurse if you suspect an allergy. Early diagnosis can make a big difference.

📝 Tip: A food and symptom diary can be super helpful for your appointment.

21/08/2025

🤧 Hay fever season is coming — are you ready?

Hay fever affects 1 in 5 Kiwis and can cause sneezing, itchy eyes, blocked noses, fatigue, and even worsen asthma symptoms. It’s triggered by things like pollen, dust, and pet dander — and it tends to flare up in spring and summer.

🌸 Now’s the time to get prepared:
✅ Start antihistamines or nasal sprays early
✅ Check pollen forecasts and stay indoors on high-pollen days
✅ Keep pets out of bedrooms
✅ Ventilate, clean mould, and wash bedding regularly

While there’s no cure, symptoms can be managed. For help, visit allergy.org.nz or book a nurse or GP appointment with us.

25/06/2025

Skip the calls! The Doctors App makes it easy to manage your healthcare — whenever it suits you!

✅ Book & manage appointments
💊 Request repeat prescriptions
🧪 View lab test results
📋 Access your health summary
👩‍⚕️ Connect with your general practice team

Download it now: https://thedoctors.co.nz/app

24/06/2025

🚨 Funded flu vaccinations are still available — have you had yours?

Getting vaccinated on time is the best way to stay protected during the colder months.

This year's funded vaccine (Influvac Tetra) is FREE for people who meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Pregnant people
- People aged 65 years and over
- People aged 6 months to under 65 years with eligible conditions
- Children 4 years of age and under who have been hospitalised for respiratory illness or have a history of significant respiratory illness
- People aged 6 months to under 65 years with serious mental health and addiction conditions.

If you don’t fit the eligibility for the funded vaccine, you can still get the flu vaccine with us for a small fee.

🗓 To book a flu vaccine, please call us on 09 634 5184.

18/06/2025

🌟 Mānawatia a Matariki! 🌟

The Doctors Onehunga Urgent Care services will be open on Friday, 20th June, 8am to 8pm.

For non urgent health advice, you can call Healthline (available 24 hours) on 0800 611 116. In the case of an emergency, call 111.

Wishing you and your whānau a safe and happy Matariki weekend ✨

16/06/2025

Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in NZ. Also known as colorectal or colon cancer, it affects the colon (large bowel) and re**um, and men are more affected than women.

⚠️ It can develop without any warning signs, but 90% of cases can be treated successfully if caught early.

Watch for symptoms like:
- Bleeding from the bottom
- Ongoing changes in bowel habits
- Persistent tummy pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Feeling unusually tired or weak

Anyone with symptoms, no matter their age, should see a GP. You may also need earlier or more regular testing if you have a family history of bowel cancer.

✅ Free bowel screening is available in NZ every two years for those aged 60–74. If you're Māori or Pacific, you’ll be invited to screen from age 50.

📬 It’s a simple test sent to your home that checks for early signs of cancer — before symptoms appear.

Learn more here: https://bowelcancernz.org.nz/about-bowel-cancer/early-detection-and-prevention/screening/

15/06/2025

The risk of measles being brought into Aotearoa by travellers is currently very high. Measles is serious and very contagious.

✅ The best protection is immunisation — and the MMR vaccine is FREE in NZ.

📌 It’s especially recommended for:
- Babies 6–11 months travelling overseas
- Tamariki aged 12 months to 15 years
- Adults born between 1969–2004 who may have not been vaccinated.

Learn more and check if you need the vaccine here: https://info.health.nz/immunisations/vaccines-aotearoa/measles-mumps-and-rubella-mmr-vaccine

https://youtu.be/FgKscEDAmH0

Dr Hina Luti answers your questions about the measles vaccine.https://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/healthy-living/immunisation/measles-vaccination

14/06/2025

Every day, eight families in Aotearoa lose a loved one to a preventable illness. This June, we’re putting the spotlight on men’s health — because our dads, partners, brothers and mates deserve to live longer and stronger.

We offer comprehensive men’s health services, from general check-ups to mental health and lifestyle support.

💡 What we can help with:
- Health assessments
- Heart checks
- Prostate & testicular health
- Sexual health
- Mental health support & lifestyle advice

Learn more at: https://thedoctors.co.nz/services/mens-health

23/04/2025

🛡️ World Immunisation Week: 24–30 April

Now’s a great time to check if you and your whānau are up to date with vaccinations. 💉

We offer a wide range of immunisations—from flu vaccines to childhood vaccines—to help protect against serious illnesses like measles, whooping cough, and more.

✅ Most vaccines on the National Immunisation Schedule are FREE
✅ Catch-ups are possible if you’ve missed any
✅ Ask us if you're unsure what's due

📞 Call us or talk to your GP or nurse for advice. Let’s keep our community protected!

16/04/2025

Our GP practice will be closed for the Easter holidays from Friday, 18 April, to Monday, 21 April; and for Anzac Day on Friday, 25 April.

🚨Our urgent care clinic will be open as normal from 8am to 8pm daily, including public holidays.

For general health advice outside of our hours, call Healthline on 0800 611 116. If you require in-person care, please visit the emergency department at Auckland City or Middlemore Hospital. In an emergency, call 111.

Wishing you happy and safe Easter and Anzac long weekends! ✨