Woodham Road Medical Centre

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

11/12/2025

Please plan ahead for repeat prescriptions and routine appointments, as demand often increases at this time of year!

🎄 Holiday hours:

22-23 December 2025: Open 8am – 5.30pm
24 December 2025: Open 8am – 2pm
25-26 December 2025: CLOSED
29-30 December 2025: Open 8am – 5.30pm
31 December 2025: Open 8am – 2pm
1-2 January 2026: CLOSED
5 January 2026: Usual hours resume

💊 Repeat prescriptions:

To ensure your script is processed before we close for the holidays, the cut-off time for prescription requests is Friday, 19 December. The standard time for processing repeat prescriptions is 72 hours.

Need care while we’re closed?

We recommend The Doctors Online (open Mon-Fri except public holidays).
For urgent / after hours care, please visit your nearest after-hours facility.
For general health advice, call Healthline on 0800 611 116.
In an emergency, call 111.

09/12/2025

Time for a medication review?

In NZ, most prescriptions must be reviewed every 3 months (unless your doctor advises otherwise). Even if a specialist started your medicine, your GP or NP must review and prescribe.

Please book ahead to avoid delays.

05/12/2025

Helpful tips for preventing or improving type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes

Pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes can be prevented or improved by making lifestyle changes including:

* Healthy eating: Eat a balanced diet. Consider how much and when you eat, being mindful of carb, fibre, fat and salt intake. Find healthy and delicious diabetes-friendly recipes.

* Being active: Regular physical activity helps your cells use insulin and lowers your blood sugar

* Getting enough sleep: Poor sleep can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

All of these are important to your long-term health. If you’re struggling with your eating, exercise or sleep habits, please seek support and advice from our expert clinical team. We’re here to support your health and well-being.

02/12/2025

Diabetes is when the level of glucose in your blood is too high.

If it’s not controlled, it can damage the organs in your body. The amount of glucose in your body is controlled by hormones - primarily insulin. With diabetes, your body is unable to produce insulin, or it doesn’t respond properly to the insulin it produces.

Signs and symptoms of diabetes:

* Unexplained weight loss
* Frequent urination
* Extreme hunger
*Irritability
* Excessive thirst
* Extreme tiredness
* Blurred vision
* Slow healing cuts and bruises

If you notice any of the above symptoms in you or a family member, it’s important to talk to a GP for testing, diagnosis and treatment.