Tamatea Medical Centre

11/05/2026

Tamatea Medical Centre May 2026 Newsletter

https://mailchi.mp/183bfa7eee1c/patient-newsletter-march-13376921

09/05/2026

To all the mums, mother figures, dads taking on both roles, grandparents, whānau, and carers — thank you for the kindness, strength, and care you give every day. Your support makes a difference in so many lives.

From all of us at Tamatea Medical Centre, we wish you a very happy Mother’s Day

06/05/2026

Health Hawke’s Bay has updated its Health Information Privacy Statement (May 2026) to explain how your personal and health information is collected, used, stored, and shared within the healthcare system.

Your information helps healthcare teams provide safe, effective care, plan services, improve treatments, and support health programmes. Information is only shared with those involved in your care, or where required by law.

You also have rights to:
*Access your health information
*Request corrections
*Ask questions about how your information is used
*Opt out of some shared health record systems

Health providers are required to follow strict privacy and security standards under New Zealand privacy laws.

You can read the full statement here:
https://healthhb.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Health-Hawkes-Bay-Health-Information-Privacy-Statement-May-2026.pdf

05/05/2026

Patient Enrolment Updates
We are currently reviewing and updating our patient enrolment records to ensure all information we hold is accurate and up to date.

As part of this process, some patients may be asked to complete a new enrolment form. This may be because previous forms were incomplete or information was entered incorrectly in the past. We understand this can feel repetitive, but it is important to ensure you are correctly registered with our practice and that we have the right details to support your care.
You may also be asked to provide identification. Even if you have been a valued patient with us for many years, our reception team is required to sight ID as part of this process.

We appreciate your patience and understanding while we complete this work. Once your details have been updated correctly, you will not need to repeat this again.

Thank you for your support.

04/05/2026

check out Asthma New Zealand page for handy hints, education and support

04/05/2026

Today is World Asthma Day (5th May) 💙

At Tamatea Medical Centre, we’re raising awareness of asthma and supporting those in our community living with the condition.

If you are visiting us today, you’ll see our team wearing blue in support of the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ Blue Shirt Day.

Asthma can affect people of all ages, but with the right treatment and support, it can be well managed. Remember to use your inhalers as prescribed, attend your regular asthma reviews, understand your asthma action plan, and don’t ignore worsening symptoms.

If you’ve noticed increased breathlessness, wheezing, or just need some advice on managing your asthma, our team is here to help.

Please get in touch with us today to book an appointment

27/04/2026

Our local pharmacy isn’t just a shop — it’s a vital part of our community.

Around the world, neighbourhood pharmacies are disappearing at an alarming rate. Thousands have closed in recent years, and many more are under pressure due to rising workloads and shrinking funding for prescriptions. While this trend is global, it’s something we need to pay attention to here in New Zealand too.

In Aotearoa, community pharmacies operate under a different model — one that focuses strongly on patient care. Through services funded by Te Whatu Ora (like vaccinations, medicines advice, minor ailment support, and other clinical services), pharmacists are an accessible frontline part of our healthcare system.

They’re not just dispensing medications.
They’re helping manage long-term conditions, providing trusted advice, supporting whānau, and often stepping in when GP appointments aren’t immediately available.

That accessibility matters — especially for our elderly, our rural communities, and anyone who needs quick, reliable healthcare close to home.

With the arrival of large “warehouse-style” pharmacies, it can be tempting to focus on convenience or pricing. But those models don’t replace the personalised care, continuity, and relationships built within local pharmacies — the kind where your pharmacist knows your name, your medications, and your story.

If local pharmacies struggle or close, we don’t just lose a shop — we lose a key part of our healthcare network.

If we want to keep these essential services in our community, we need to support them.

💊 Choose local when you can
💊 Talk to your pharmacist — they’re highly trained healthcare professionals
💊 Value the role they play in keeping our community healthy

Because once these services are gone, they’re incredibly hard to replace.

Let’s look after the people who look after us. Tamatea Pharmacy

24/04/2026

ANZAC Day Closure Notice
In observance of ANZAC Day, our practice will be closed on Monday 27th April. We will reopen as usual on Tuesday 28th April.

On 25th April we remember and honour all those who have served, and those who continue to serve, in the armed forces.

Tamatea Medical Centre

22/04/2026

16/04/2026

For those who have not meet our visiting cat - Panda 🐾 he is our official Vaccination Support Cat (self-appointed, but we’re not arguing).

Panda takes his role very seriously. He provides:
✔️ Emotional support
✔️ Judgement-free cuddles
✔️ Mild supervision of clinical technique (from a safe distance)
✔️ And the occasional “you’ve got this” stare

As you can see, both Panda and Nurse Tiff are proudly wearing their “FLU 2026 – I’m protected, are you?” stickers. Panda would like to remind everyone that while he prefers naps and snacks, even he knows prevention is better than cure.

Pop in, book online, or give us a call to get your flu vaccination. Panda may or may not be on duty… but the protection definitely will be.
📧admin.tamatea@gpcare.co.nz
☎️06 843 9048

16/04/2026

We had a very special reason to pause between patients this week… celebrating our wonderful clinical pharmacist Bec and her soon-to-arrive little one👶

The team gathered for a baby shower filled with laughs, handy hints and some truly impressive baking. One of the highlights was this beautiful baby blanket, lovingly knitted by one of our very talented GPs — proof that clinical skills and knitting needles can coexist quite brilliantly 🧶

Bec, we’re so excited for you as you head into this next chapter. While we’ll definitely miss you, we can’t wait to meet your little one — and yes, we fully expect a visit when you’re ready.

Wishing you all the best for the weeks ahead. Enjoy every moment… and we’ll keep your seat warm until you’re back