Woodham Road Medical Centre

07/04/2026

Book ahead for routine appointments.

As we move into the cooler months, our practice will get busier. Please remember to:
Plan ahead for routine appointments, booking well in advance.

Appointments are 15 minutes. If you have more than 2 topics of concern to discuss, please book a double appointment - standard fees apply.

Arrive at least 5 minutes before your scheduled appointment, to allow time for any admin.

03/04/2026

12-month scripts

Repeat prescriptions are now available longer periods (up to 12 months) for long-term medications when your condition is stable, and no medication alterations are needed. The decision to approve or decline a medication lies with the prescriber. A consultation is required for this to ensure your condition and treatment is appropriate.

01/04/2026

New nurse station🎉

We’re proud to introduce our new nurse station!

Built over the summer, this modern, dedicated space is now open and fully equipped to support a wide range of nursing services.

It allows our nursing and healthcare assistant teams to deliver care more efficiently. For patients, this means a more comfortable experience, better flow through the clinic, and access to care in a space designed for today’s healthcare needs.

30/03/2026

Flu vaccines from 1 Apr

As autumn rolls around, so does the peak flu season. It may be your workmate, partner, or members of your whānau. Anyone, even fit and healthy adults, can catch the flu. The flu can cause significant illness, particularly for those who are more vulnerable.

The flu is very contagious and can spread before symptoms appear until several days after symptoms start. Flu germs spread easily through talking, coughing, and sneezing. Getting vaccinated each year is the best way to protect yourself and those around you.

The flu vaccine is free 🆓for many people. This year, our practice will be offering two flu vaccines:

1. Influvac Tetra (funded for those who meet the below criteria) - for adults and children aged 6 months and over.

Also:
Pregnant people
People aged 65 years and over
People under 65 years with long-term medical conditions like diabetes, asthma, or heart disease
Children aged 4 years and under who have been hospitalised for respiratory illness or have a history of significant respiratory illness
People under 65 years with serious mental health and addiction conditions.

2. Fluad (unfunded) - for adults aged 50 years and over.

If you don’t fit the eligibility for the funded vaccine, you can still get the flu vaccine with us for $35. Plus, the flu vaccine can be safely given at the same time as Covid and shingles (Shingrix) vaccines, making it easier to stay up to date with vaccinations.

For the best protection, we recommend booking your vaccination early in the season. We will be running daily flu vaccine clinics from 1 April. To book, please 📞call us on 03 389 9385, pop into the practice, or book online through My Indici.

It is best to book a time, but if you happen to be at the clinic, please enquire as we can often fit you in (depending on demand).

28/03/2026

Women’s health services

Our Women’s Health services include breast examinations, contraception advice, routine cervical screening, perimenopause and menopause support, and personalized care for other women’s health issues.

We are very lucky to have Dr Chelsea Loan, Dr Tania Cooper, and Dr Sarah Howard who are all specialists in Women’s Health. Dr Chelsea Loan runs a dedicated women’s health clinic on a Monday morning – to book, please ask Reception.

26/03/2026

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue that is similar to the lining of the uterus grows in places outside of the uterus.
It’s a common condition that affects up to 1 in 10 people in New Zealand. The cause of endometriosis is not fully understood. It’s believed there is a strong genetic component, and that it can run in families. Those who have an immediate relative (mother or sister) with endometriosis are seven times more likely to develop endometriosis than those who do not.

The most common symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain, usually during periods.
For some people, the symptoms of endometriosis are severe. Others may have no symptoms at all, although this is less common. Symptoms include:

1. Painful periods (dysmenorrhoea)
2. Bowel problems (diarrhoea, bloating, constipation, painful wind, painful bowel movements)
3. Pain during s*x (dyspareunia)
4. Infertility (inability to conceive) or sub-fertility (delayed conceiving)
5. Fatigue, tiredness, or low energy
6. Pain in other places, such as the lower back
7. Pain at other points in the menstrual cycle (often with ovulation)
8. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
9. Abnormal menstrual bleeding, including very heavy periods
10. Bladder issues (pain before/with urinating, recurrent urinary tract infections, interstitial cystitis).

If you notice any of these symptoms, book an appointment with a GP or Nurse Practitioner.

19/02/2026

Need to see a GP but can't make it into the clinic?

We recommend The Doctors Online (open Mon-Fri except public holidays) — see FAQs for suitability and fees.

Easy, convenient online casual doctor consults. Can't get to the clinic? Want to see a doctor from home or at work? No available appointments with your regular GP? See a doctor online, when and where it suits you! Backed by Green Cross Health and The Doctors medical centres, Registered NZ-based doct...

17/02/2026

Scan Your Skin

Melanoma often starts as a new spot on your skin, but an existing mole can turn into melanoma too.

Common signs to look out for include:

New moles or growths on the skin
Changes in size, shape, or colour of existing moles
Moles that are asymmetrical or have irregular borders
Variations in colour within a mole
A mole or spot that looks different from others on your body

SCAN is an easy way to remember the key things to watch for on your skin.
If you notice one or more of the above changes on your skin, book an appointment with your GP or NP. 👩‍⚕️

15/02/2026

Looking after your skin now can significantly reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.

*Use sunscreen every day (SPF 30+ or higher) on exposed skin, and reapply every 2 hours when outdoors.
*Cover up with clothing, including long sleeves, a broad-brimmed hat, and UV-protective sunglasses.
*Seek shade, especially between 10am and 4pm when the sun’s rays are strongest.
*Avoid tanning beds and intentional tanning, as they increase skin damage and cancer risk.
*Check your skin every 3 months for new or changing spots, moles, or patches that look different from the rest.

See your GP or a skin specialist if you notice changes or anything unusual.

13/02/2026

Spotting and preventing skin cancer

New Zealand has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world, with overexposure to UV radiation from the sun being the main cause.

There are three main types of skin cancer

* Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. It often appears as a pink patch or bump that may bleed or feel itchy. BCCs usually stay in one place and don’t spread around the body, but they can be more concerning on the face because of the delicate structures and the risk of scarring.
*Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a more serious type of skin cancer because it can sometimes spread to nearby lymph glands. SCCs often develop from long-term sun damage or from “sunspots.” They usually look scaly or crusty and may be tender or sore to touch.
*Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, as it can spread through the bloodstream to other parts of the body. Melanomas can appear anywhere on the body, even in areas that don’t get much sun. They can be flat or raised, grow quickly or slowly, and although often dark, they can sometimes be pink or lighter in colour.

If you are unsure of any spots or moles, please contact your GP or book an appointment with a skin specialist.

Skin checks are a standard service offered by all our medical centres. If you or a family member are experiencing skin conditions that worry you, please book...

11/02/2026

Improvements to our reception area and nurse station

You may have noticed some building work underway in our reception area recently. Thank you for your patience while this work has been taking place.

We’re also delighted to share that a new nurse station is now well underway and is expected to be completed within the next few weeks. This additional space will better support our nursing team and help us deliver care more efficiently, making it faster and easier for patients to access the care they need.

We look forward to welcoming you into the updated space soon.

09/02/2026

GPs on leave

Most of our team are now back in the practice after taking a well deserved break over summer.

If you’re unable to book an appointment with your usual doctor, please be assured that all our clinicians have access to your medical records and can provide safe, continuous care