The Doctors NZ

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!

24/09/2025

Prostate checks are a simple way to look after long-term health, sexual function, and quality of life.

💠 When to start the conversation?
- If you’re 50+ (and have a prostate), have a chat with your GP about screening.
- If you have a family history (dad/brother diagnosed before 65) or you’re Māori or Pacific, talk to your GP earlier — from 40–45.
- Screening isn’t usually recommended over 70, but your GP can advise based on your health.
- Noticed changes (peeing more often, pain, blood, etc.)? Don’t wait — book in.

💠 What to expect?
- Most people start with a PSA blood test. A higher result doesn’t always mean cancer, but it may mean further checks.
- Depending on results, your GP might suggest a digital re**al exam, repeat PSA, or a specialist referral.
- We’ll talk you through the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision.

Learn more:

Men should be proactive in taking responsibility for their health & wellbeing, and getting tested regularly. More options are available if prostate cancer is detected before it causes symptoms (not common in the early stages). Not all doctors are proactive in promoting prostate cancer testing so men...

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

23/09/2025

Regular cervical screening picks up early HPV changes and can prevent most cervical cancers.

▪ Who’s it for?
If you’re 25–69 and have a cervix, you’re due every 5 years — even if you’ve had the HPV vaccine. First timer? Book your first test at 25.
If you have unusual bleeding, pain, or discharge, please see your GP now — don’t wait.

▪ How it works
You can do a quick vaginal swab yourself in a private space at our clinic. Many people find it faster and more comfortable than a smear. It checks for HPV, and results go straight to your GP. If HPV is found, we’ll guide you through the next steps.

To book a smear, please call us.

Learn more:

Cervical screening every 5 years is the best way to prevent cervical cancer. Find out how to get cervical screening.

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

20/09/2025

Today is World Alzheimer’s Day. Nearly 83,000 Kiwis are living with dementia in 2025, and that’s expected to more than double by 2050. Alzheimer's can affect memory, thinking, and daily life, but getting support early can really help. Learn more from the experts: https://alzheimers.org.nz/

18/09/2025

There are a variety of contraception or birth control methods that prevent pregnancy, each with pros and cons. 👍👎

If you're considering contraception, your chosen method will come down to personal preference, and how your body feels. Here we compare some of the most common contraceptive options available. 💊

We recommend talking through the available options with a GP or Nurse Practitioner. If one method is giving you negative side effects impacting your life, please come back and see us, so that we can look at another option for you.

Some contraceptives may also be subsidised - ask your GP or NP to find out more.

To book an appointment, please use The Doctors App or call us.

17/09/2025

Join us in celebrating the 50th anniversary of Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, Māori Language Week!

Te Reo Māori is one of the official languages of Aotearoa, New Zealand, and it’s our privilege to honour that; this week and throughout the year.

If you’re exploring Te Reo for the first time, we encourage you to give it go. Start with a couple of words that you use every day and go from there. Every action helps preserve Te Reo Māori as a living language across the motu (island), safeguarding it into the future.

Here’s a selection of Te Reo kupu (words) that you use every day:
- Kia ora (Hello)
- Ata mārie or Mōrena (Good morning)
- Ahiahi mārie (Good afternoon)
- Ngā mihi nui (Thank you)
- Ko toku ingoa (My name is)
- Korero (a talk or discussion)
- Hui (gathering, meeting, assembly)
- Kura (School)
- Kapu (Cup)

For more information, learning materials and ways to show support for Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, visit https://www.reomaori.co.nz/

16/09/2025

A reminder that we offer confidential, supportive sexual & reproductive healthcare.

We can help with:
- Contraception (pills, IUDs, implants, emergency contraception)
- Pregnancy testing & options counselling
- STI & HIV testing/treatment (incl. access to PrEP)
- Cervical screening — self-test swab or clinician smear
- HPV vaccination (ages 9–26)
- Prostate checks
- Support for sexual concerns
- Reproductive health care: preconception, fertility, menopause

To book an appointment, please use The Doctors App or call us.

14/09/2025

👋 A very warm welcome Dr Lily Cane who joined us in August!

A proud Northlander, Dr Lily has returned home to support the community she grew up in. With a background in paediatrics at Whangārei, she brings valuable experience and a strong commitment to family and community health.

Outside of work, Lily enjoys spending time outdoors and on the water. 🌊

10/09/2025

Who can I see at my medical centre if a doctor isn’t available? Many of our practices have a diversified healthcare team – learn about their roles and how they can support you next time you’re unwell or have a medical question: https://thedoctors.co.nz/healthcare-team

08/09/2025

Hayfever sniffles already bothering you? It’s arrived early for many people this year. Have a chat to us if you need support managing it.

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03/09/2025

Today is World Sexual Health Day. Your sexual health is an important part of your overall wellbeing. Whether you’re seeking check-ups, contraception, or guidance, our GP and healthcare team are here for you. https://thedoctors.co.nz/services/sexual-health

31/08/2025

September is Cervical Screening Awareness Month. Regular cervical screening is one of the best protections against cervical cancer and is recommended for all women. If you’re due or not sure when your last one was, now’s a perfect time to check and book your test. https://thedoctors.co.nz/book-appointment

28/08/2025

Daffodil Day is a powerful reminder of how many kiwis are impacted by cancer. If you notice anything different in your body, go and see your GP – early detection truly makes a difference. Book an appointment with one of our medical centres today. https://thedoctors.co.nz/book-appointment

26/08/2025

Need care for a sudden illness or injury? If you or a family member is experiencing symptoms like breathing difficulties, high fever, severe pain, or a new accident-related injury, visit one of our Urgent Care or Walk-In clinics – no appointment needed. Check your closest medical centre here: https://thedoctors.co.nz/services/urgent-care-medical-centres

30/05/2025

Our practice will be closed on Monday, 2nd June for Kings Birthday and on Friday, 20th June for Matariki.

We are pleased to advise that we are now partnering with Ka Ora Telecare to support our patients outside of our working hours.

To access Ka Ora for urgent after-hours medical care and advice, please call us on 09 407 7777 and follow the instructions. You will be transferred to Ka Ora who will be able to assist you. They may offer advice, offer you a telehealth consultation with one of their Telehealth Doctors, or direct you to Bay of Islands Hospital.

In an emergency call 111.

28/05/2025

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

☑️ Book and manage appointments
☑️ Request repeat prescriptions
☑️ View lab test results
☑️ Access a summary of your health information
☑️ Connect with your general practice team

The Doctors App is available for download on mobile devices and is also accessible via web browsers. 💻📱

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

25/05/2025

Flu vaccines are still available — have you had yours?

🛡Getting vaccinated on time is the best way to stay protected during autumn and winter.

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.

📲Book a flu vaccination for yourself or a family member: https://greencross.centrik.co.nz/book-appointment/the-doctors-kerikeri

21/05/2025

This month we’re celebrating the amazing mahi of our nurses. They do so much to keep our community healthy and supported. 🩺💙

It’s a good idea to book an appointment with a nurse if you need advice about:
- Diabetes management
- Osteoporosis
- Weight loss
- Asthma management
- Blood pressure management
- Wound care
- Eczema management
- Quitting smoking.

Our nurses can also help with:
- Routine childhood immunisations
- Other immunisations such as flu vaccine or shingles vaccine
- Organising home help or personal alarms
- Minor cuts and scrapes
- Cervical screening.

📞 Call us to book with a nurse or find out more.

19/05/2025

🌟Free community groups - just show up! 🌟

🚶🏼‍♀️Walking Group – Tuesdays 9:05–10:00am
Meet outside the library and enjoy a gentle walk (weather permitting). It’s all about movement and connection – everyone’s welcome!

🫶 Social Connection Group – Thursdays 10:15–11:30am
Join us in the community room (next to the CAB in the library) for a relaxed morning of chat, games, and good company. Tea, coffee, and biscuits provided!

No bookings or sign-ups required – come along whenever it suits you.

These groups run continuously based on community interest. If you have any questions, please ask at Reception.

15/05/2025

🌧️ Seasonal changes can affect your mood — especially with less sunlight, colder days, and more time spent indoors. Feeling a bit low or slow is normal at this time of year. But if it's impacting your daily life, it could be Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) — a type of depression triggered by the seasons.

Small steps can help:
✔️ Get outside in the morning light
✔️ Stay active — even gentle movement helps
✔️ Boost your vitamin D through food or supplements
✔️ Reach out for support

💬 If you or your someone in your whānau is struggling with their mental health, or wants to make behavioural health changes, we offer free support through our Health Improvement Practitioner (HIP), Noeleen.

Noeleen can be seen with or without a referral, is often available on the same day, and her services are completely free.

To book, please call us on 09 407 7777, talk to your GP, or ask at Reception.

14/05/2025

🎀 Be in to WIN This Pink Ribbon Month! 🎀

May is Pink Ribbon Month — a time to raise awareness and share life-saving information about breast cancer prevention and early detection.

Test your knowledge and go in the draw to win some fantastic prizes this month!

- Complete our Breast Cancer Awareness Quiz
- Print your answers
- Drop them into The Doctors Kerikeri by Wednesday, 29 May

All completed entries from enrolled patients will go in the draw to win one of these fantastic prizes:*

🍃 A health & wellbeing hamper
🧘‍♀️ One of two Yoga Nidra session passes
🍫 A box of delicious Makana Chocolates

Take the quiz now! -https://d29wyfxuc0069d.cloudfront.net/cbc886f40b050ca7268bdb97f4b11b27.pdf

*Please note: This competition giveaway is open to patients over the age of 16 enrolled at The Doctors Kerikeri only. For more information, please ask at Reception.