The Doctors NZ

13/04/2026

When you enrol📝 with one of our practices, you’ll be able to get access to The Doctors App 📲where you can manage your appointments, request repeat prescriptions, access your health information, and so much more.
Click the link below to find out more:

https://www.thedoctors.co.nz/the-doctors-app

09/04/2026

The seasonal flu is very contagious 😷 and can spread before symptoms appear until several days after symptoms star 🤒. People are most contagious during the first 3-5 days of their illness. Flu germs spread easily through talking, coughing, and sneezing. The best way to protect you and your whānau is by getting a flu vaccine every year. 💪

09/04/2026

Mental health & wellbeing support for youth

Book with our Health Improvement Practitioner (HIP)

Our Monday youth group for 11-16 year olds has now wrapped up, but young people can still get mental health and wellbeing support by booking an appointment directly with our HIP Noeleen.

Noeleen supports people of all ages, and their whānau, on a wide range of issues affecting health and wellbeing. She can help with:

1. Improving mood and supporting mental health
2. Managing chronic conditions
3. Making lifestyle changes such as healthier eating, better sleep, and more physical activity
4. Coping with grief, stress, or loneliness
5. Reducing harm from alcohol or drug use

Appointments with Noeleen are free for enrolled patients, and there’s no referral needed. To book, simply ask a Nurse or GP/NP, or ask at Reception.

06/04/2026

🩺Today is World Health Day and this year’s theme is 🔬 “Together for health. Stand with science.” The theme calls for the celebration of 🌎 “the power of scientific collaboration to protect the health of people, animals, plants, and the planet.”

We’d like to remind everyone that as we head into the colder months, it’s important that we look after ourselves. Flu season 🤧 is upon us as well, so make sure to get your flu vaccinations so you stay protected this winter.

Our healthcare team is here for you and your whānau 😊

06/04/2026

Team update:

Our two new GPs start with us mid-April🎉

We have confirmation that our two new GPs, Dr Fabyann Sonagara and Dr David Charchoglyan, will start with us on Monday. 13 April, after visa processing delays.

We look forward to welcoming then, and introducing them in our next newsletter.

03/04/2026

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.

All of our GPs and NPs are experienced in this area and available for women’s health concerns. If you are enrolled with a male GP and would prefer to see a female GP for a women’s health discussion, you’re welcome to request this. Just let Reception know when booking your appointment.

02/04/2026

In 2007, the UN General Assembly designated the 2nd of April as World Autism Awareness Day. The theme for this year is “Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value”. 🧠🌈♾️🧩The theme aims to highlight and affirm “the inherent dignity, equal rights, and unconditional worth of every autistic person” according to the UN.

If you have concerns about either for yourself, your children or whānau, you can have a chat with our medical team. We're here for you and your whānau.

Check out resources about autism on:
Autism New Zealand: https://autismnz.org.nz/
Altogether Autism: https://www.altogetherautism.org.nz/
The D*List: https://thedlist.co.nz/

31/03/2026

The best protection against the flu is getting a flu vaccine. It takes up to 2 weeks after having your flu vaccine for your body to start protecting against the flu. 💪

Book an appointment for a flu shot at your practice today https://www.thedoctors.co.nz/book-appointment

31/03/2026

FYI, our centres 🏥 will be closed during Good Friday and Easter Monday. It’s a good idea to plan ahead for repeat prescriptions and routine appointments. For urgent or 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.

*🔴Our urgent care centres (The Doctors Onehunga, The Doctors Middlemore, and Team Medical) will remain open.

Visit our website👆thedoctors.co.nz to find out about centres opening hours.

31/03/2026

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.
-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 a small fee. Plus, the flu vaccine can be safely given at the same time as the 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 09 407 7777 or book online through The Doctors App

30/03/2026

🏳️‍⚧️Today is International Transgender Day of Visibility. On this day, we celebrate our trans and non-binary communities in Aotearoa and all over the world.

In the 2023 census, 0.7% of our population were transgender and that number is only growing. To find out more about support, education, and healthcare for trans people, go to genderminorities.com 🩵🩷🤍🩷🩵

29/03/2026

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.

29/03/2026

12-month scripts

Repeat prescriptions are now available for 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.

19/03/2026

We're also on Instagram now! Follow us on https://www.instagram.com/thedoctorsnz/ or search

16/03/2026

Have some concerns about your skin? Noticed some changes? It might be time for you to get a skin check with your GP. Book an appointment for a skin check here: https://www.thedoctors.co.nz/book-appointment

11/03/2026

Pasifika Festival is back this weekend! Check out the schedule of all the vibrant performances.

09/03/2026

Something not quite right with a mole on your skin? Never had a skin check before or it’s been a long time since you got your skin checked? Well, this is your reminder. Book an appointment to get a skin check today.

Book your appointment here: https://www.thedoctors.co.nz/book-appointment

08/03/2026

Happy International Women’s Day! Today is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women 💜 We’d like to take the opportunity to celebrate all the women in the health workforce, supporting their communities in all parts of country 👩‍⚕️

23/02/2026

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.

18/02/2026

We are thrilled to welcome a highly experienced Clinical Pharmacist, to our team - Chloe.

Chloe will be working closely with our doctors and will soon be available to see patients on multiple medications for chronic conditions. If you take regular medications for a chronic condition, Chloe can help ensure you're on the most up-to-date and appropriate medication(s), that each medication is necessary, and that you're taking them correctly.

We’re incredibly fortunate to have her on our team, and her expertise is a fantastic addition to the services we already offer.

15/02/2026

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. 👩‍⚕️

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...

09/02/2026

Our FREE community groups are back up and running for 2026!

No bookings or sign-ups required – come along whenever it suits you. These groups run continuously based on community interest, with a short break over summer — see below for details.

Walking Group – Tuesdays 8:30—9:30am
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 library community room for a relaxed morning of chat, games, and good company. Refreshments provided!

Youth Group — Mondays 3:30—5:00pm
Join us in the library community room for a safe space for 11 to 16 year olds to chat, play games and connect. Refreshments provided!

If you have any questions, please ask at Reception.

28/11/2025

The Holidays are on the way!

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

Holiday hours🎅🕎:

24 December 2025: Open for acute needs only
25 - 27 December 2025: Closed
29 - 31 December 2025: Open for acute needs only
1 - 3 January 2026: Closed
5 January 2026: Normal hours resume

Repeat prescriptions:💊

If you need repeat medications over the holidays, please order your repeat prescription by 19 December 2025 so we can process it in time. When you order, please tell us which pharmacy you’d like the prescription sent to.

Need care while we’re closed?

If you need after-hours care or medical advice while we are closed, please call us 📞on 09 407 7777 and follow the instructions. You’ll be connected to our after-hours service, Ka Ora Telecare, where experienced clinicians can:

Give medical advice over the phone 📞
Arrange a virtual or phone consultation with a Telehealth Doctor
Direct you to Bay of Islands Hospital if in-person care is needed

For emergencies, always dial 111.