The Doctors Lower Hutt

25/04/2026

💉 RECEIVING YOUR BLOOD TEST RESULTS 💉

If test results are normal or as expected, we won’t routinely contact you. We will be in touch if anything requires follow-up.

📍 PLEASE NOTE: Some results may take longer to show in the app, and results from external providers won’t appear in the app.

Awanui can give you a copy of your results if you complete their request form and provide ID. For help understanding results, see: https://healthify.nz/health-a-z/b/blood-tests.

If you’re still unsure or concerned, please call us to book an appointment with your GP.

23/04/2026

💊 TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR HEALTHCARE!

The Doctors App allows you to book, change and cancel appointments easily. Request repeat prescriptions, view lab test results, and more. If you haven’t yet downloaded the app, you still can!

📲 Get it on mobile via the Play Store (Android) or App Store (Apple). Enter your email address and select ‘The Doctors Lower Hutt’.

📍 Quick tip! To successfully register on the app, your email must match what your medical centre holds on file.

Find out more here: https://www.thedoctors.co.nz/the-doctors-app

21/04/2026

📣 You can find our new April 2026 Newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/9052890ed0c6/lower-hutt-2026-april

21/04/2026

⚠️ CLOSED ANZAC DAY ⚠️

A reminder that our practice will be closed on Monday, 27 April for ANZAC Day.

If you need medical care while we are closed, please see below for a reminder of urgent / after-hours care available in the local area:

🩺 Lower Hutt After-Hours Medical Centre → Walk-in Centre
https://www.lowerhuttafterhours.co.nz/
Every Day 08:00 - 22:00 (inc. weekends + public holidays)
Level 1, Verve on Connolly, 2 Connolly Street, Lower Hutt
(ph: 04 567 5345)

🩺 Wellington After-Hours Medical Centre → Walk-in Centre
https://www.wamc.co.nz/
Every Day 08:00 - 21:00 (inc. weekends + public holidays)
17 Adelaide Road, Mount Cook, Wellington
(ph: 04 384 4944)

🩺 Practice Plus → Online-Only (Phone or Video)
https://practiceplus.nz/
Weekdays 09:00 - 22:00
Weekends + Public Holidays 08:00 - 20:00
(ph: 0800 7722 7587)

🚨 If you have a medical emergency, please call 111.

20/04/2026

💊 PUBLIC HOLIDAY SCRIPT REMINDER 💊

Just a quick reminder that script requests have a turn-around of up to 72-hours (3-days), so with the ANZAC Day holiday weekend coming up, please remember to get your script requests in as early as possible!

19/04/2026

Getting vaccinated is a simple step that can make a big difference 💪 to your health this autumn and winter ❄️

If you’d like to learn more about which vaccines are recommended for you at this time of year, please book an appointment with a GP or nurse.

To book, use The Doctors App or call us on 04 555 4450.

17/04/2026

❄ VACCINES TO CONSIDER THIS SEASON ❄

📌 Influenza (flu) vaccine
The flu changes each year, so annual vaccination is recommended. It helps protect against the most common circulating strains and reduces the risk of severe illness. The flu vaccine is funded for eligible groups, including people aged 65+, pregnant people, and those with certain health conditions. If you do not fit the eligibility criteria for a funded flu vaccine, you can still get the flu vaccine with us for a small fee. Learn more.

📌 Covid-19 vaccine
Covid continues to circulate in the community. Staying up to date with boosters helps maintain protection. Covid vaccines are free for everyone aged 5 and over in NZ. They are also available to tamariki from 6 months who are at greater risk of severe illness if they were to get Covid. Timing of boosters will depend on your previous doses.

📌 RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccine
RSV can cause serious illness in babies, older adults and those with a weakened immune system. The Arexvy® vaccine protects against RSV infection. It’s for people who are 60 years of age and older, or adults 50 to 59 years of age who are at increased risk for RSV. It isn’t funded in NZ.

📌 Shingles vaccine
Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus and can lead to long-lasting nerve pain. While it can occur at any time of year, now is a good time to consider vaccination alongside the flu vaccine. Shingrix® (the shingles vaccine) is recommended for adults aged 50 and over. It is funded for people aged 65, and for those aged 18+ who are at increased risk of shingles.

Our team can help you decide which vaccines are right for you this winter!

15/04/2026

❄ Protect yourself and your whānau this winter ❄

Why get vaccinated? Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your whānau from winter illness. Vaccines help your immune system recognise and fight infections, which can:

▪ Reduce your risk of getting seriously unwell
▪ Lower the chance of hospitalisation
▪ Help protect vulnerable people around you
▪ Support community immunity during the autumn and winter peak.

Even if you’re generally healthy, vaccination can reduce the severity of illness and minimise time off work or school. This is especially important for:

❗ People aged 65+
❗ Pregnant people
❗ Babies and young children
❗ People with long-term health conditions.

06/03/2026

💖 Protect your heart with early screening!

Early detection plays a key role in reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack. A Cardiovascular Risk Assessment (CVRA), also known as a heart check, helps estimate your risk of having a cardiovascular event in the next five years.

CVRAs are carried out by our specialist nurses and include a review of your medical history, lifestyle factors, blood pressure, and relevant blood tests. Follow-up and monitoring is tailored to your individual risk.

▪ Men should screen from ages 45–74 and women from 55–74, though some people may need earlier screening based on risk factors.

If you’re due for a heart check, or would like to learn more, please call us on (04) 555 4450 to book an appointment with one of our nurses.

05/03/2026

💊 12-MONTH PRESCRIPTIONS REMINDER

From Feb 2026, repeat prescriptions are available for longer periods (up to 12 months) for long-term medications when your condition is stable, and no medication alterations are needed.

📍 PLEASE NOTE: A consultation is required for this to ensure your condition and treatment is appropriate. The decision to approve or decline a medication lies with the prescriber.

Learn more here: https://www.thedoctors.co.nz/services/repeat-prescriptions

04/03/2026

🆓 Free support for managing stress

Our Health Improvement Practitioner, Jo, can support you with practical strategies to manage stress and make positive lifestyle changes.

Working alongside our clinical team, Jo offers support for:

🔷 Improving your mood or mental health
🔷 Changing habits to reduce the harm of drinking or drug use
🔷 Getting better sleep and addressing other physical health issues that are impacting your mental well-being
🔷 Talk about things that are bothering you – relationships, grief, loneliness, or family violence
🔷 Making lifestyle changes to manage long-term health conditions, disabilities, or chronic pain
🔷 Increase connection to the positive supports in your life, helping you to feel less alone
🔷 Get connected to services in the community.

Learn more about HIP and HC services here: https://www.thedoctors.co.nz/healthcare-team/health-improvement-practitioners-and-health-coaches

Appointments with Jo are FREE for enrolled patients.

To book, call us 📱 on (04) 555 4450, speak to your GP, or ask at Reception--no referral needed.

Learn about how Health Improvement Practitioners and Health Coaches work closely with GPs and health professionals at The Doctors Medical Centres.