Carefirst Medical Centres

28/10/2025

🚨Taranaki has so far had one confirmed case of measles in the current outbreak. Measles is a highly contagious illness for those who are not immune, so immunisation against measles is your best protection.

🚨Not sure if you're fully immunised?
You can check your immunity status by visiting info.health.nz/measles-immunity or calling the Vaccination Helpline for free on 0800 28 29 26. If you're unsure, it is safe to have another measles vaccine, even if it’s possible you’re already immune. Contact your enrolled Carefirst clinic to book an MMR vaccination appointment.

🚨IMPORTANT: IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE MEASLES... 🚨
Please phone ahead before visiting any clinic. This helps us take precautions to prevent further spread. Learn what steps to follow when visiting our clinics with possible measles symptoms here 👉 https://carefirst.co.nz/community-news/

23/10/2025

If you've been been worried about a mole/spot, or been thinking about a skin check, let this patient's experience be the reminder you need to book an appointment with our colleagues at Skin Clinic Taranaki.

A 20 minute appointment could save your life.

Call 06 281 01698 or email reception@skinclinictaranaki.co.nz

🕒 It took just 20 minutes to catch a killer...
One of our patients had never had a skin check, until a routine GP visit changed everything. A small spot under his watch turned out to be melanoma. Thanks to fast action by the skin cancer experts at Skin Clinic Taranaki, this patient's story has a happy ending. But it could’ve been very different.

This , we’re sharing our patient's wake-up call to remind our community: skin cancer doesn’t wait, and neither should you.

Read the full story and learn how Skin Clinic Taranaki can help you on our News page 👉www.skinclinictaranaki.co.nz/news

📅 Book your skin check or mole mapping appointment today, no referral needed.
📞 Call 06 281 1698 or email reception@skinclinictaranaki.co.nz

21/10/2025

👀 Do you recognise this person? 👀
For the second time in a month, a bike has been stolen from behind Carefirst Westown Medical Centre. The theft took place just after 10am last Friday morning and the thief was wearing black and white Adidas sneakers, camouflage pants, and a check hooded top.

🚲📸 Blue/green Polygon Tensor eBike with a topeak luggage rack on the back (see images)
We’re disappointed to see this happen again and would really appreciate your help. If you know who this is or have any information about the bike’s whereabouts, please call Police on 105 and quote the following case file number: 251017/3930.

Carefirst is proud to serve our community, and we’re grateful for your support in helping us protect it. 💙

15/10/2025

✈️ Off on an adventure? We’ve got your travel health covered ✈️
Wherever your overseas escape takes you, make sure your plans include peace of mind.

The Carefirst Travel Clinic is here to help - before, during, and after your trip. Our Worldwise-accredited team can support you with:

☀️ vaccinations
☀️ medications
☀️ personalised travel health advice, and more!

Book now:
📧 travel@carefirst.co.nz
📞 Carefirst Westown: 06 75 39505
🌐 www.carefirst.co.nz/travel-clinic

10/10/2025

Feeling down about local and world events? The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand have got some simple things you can do to protect and boost your mental health and wellbeing when things feel tough. Check them out below 👇

👀 Looking for additional support? We're here to help - book in with your regular GP or book a FREE appointment with our kaitautoko/health improvement practitioners Rebecca and Marty.

They can support physical, emotional, and social wellbeing for anyone experiencing stress or life challenges that are affecting their health, or vice versa.

👉 More info: www.carefirst.co.nz/service/health-improvement-practitioner-kaitautoko/

08/10/2025

This year's Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) theme, Top Up Together, encourages you to connect with others as you bring the Five Ways to Wellbeing into your daily life. One powerful way to Top Up Together is to listen to music togeteher. Nothing beats putting on your favourite tunes and having a boogie or a singalong, reminisce about that gig you went to together, or simply check out these specially curated Spotify playlists, sure to have music to help fill your cup 😍🎵💃

Simply search for 'MHAWNZ' in Spotify and you'll get to the musical goods!

08/10/2025

This year's Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) theme, Top Up Together, encourages you to connect with others as you bring the Five Ways to Wellbeing into your daily life. One powerful way to Top Up Together is to listen to music. Nothing beats putting on your favourite tunes and having a boogie or a singalong, reminisce about that gig you went to together, or simply check out these specially curated Spotify playlists, sure to have music to help fill your cup 😍🎵💃

03/10/2025

💗 Know what’s normal for your breasts — so you’ll know when something’s not. Everyone's breasts are different, even your own breasts are sisters, not twins!

💗 Knowing the normal look and feel of your breasts can help you spot a change quickly. Of course, most changes are not caused by breast cancer but it’s important to have any new changes properly checked, so if you notice a change, come and see us, we're here to help.

💗 Learn more about knowing your normal here: www.breastcancerfoundation.org.nz/breast-awareness

📹credit: Breast Cancer Foundation NZ

29/09/2025

🧡 Don't wait - book your cervical screening today with our caring team - www.carefirst.co.nz/contact/

This September we celebrate all of the wāhine, whānau and people who have participated in cervical screening.
We also acknowledge those who have been affected by cervical cancer.

HPV immunisation and regular cervical screening is the best protection against cervical cancer. It’s completely up to you where you access your regular cervical screen whether it’s:
🧡 Your usual doctor or nurse at a GP clinic, if you have one
🧡 Māori, Pacific or women’s community health centres
🧡 Outreach services, like marae or mobile units
🧡 Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa
🧡 Sexual health services, as part of a full consult visit.

Some healthcare providers may offer a take-home option, so you can do the cervical screen in a space that works best for you 🙌. Talk to them if this is of interest to you.

Click the link to find your closest cervical screening provider 👇https://tinyurl.com/raxfckf2

25/09/2025

💊👩‍⚕Why do we have a pharmacist onsite for Carefirst patients? 💊👩‍⚕ Our clinical pharmacist service is part of Carefirst’s wraparound care, connecting expert medication support with your everyday wellbeing. It’s a whole-person approach that considers both medical and lifestyle factors to help you feel confident in your care.

On World Pharmacists Day, we’re celebrating the essential role pharmacists play in primary health. At Carefirst, Morgan Smith works across all our clinics, supporting patients with medication advice, reviewing treatment plans, and helping ensure safe, effective, and personalised care.

From reviewing discharge summaries after hospital stays to supporting long-term condition management, Morgan’s mahi (work) adds real value to our community. She strengthens continuity of care and helps our patients feel supported every step of the way.

Learn more about Morgan’s role and how clinical pharmacists support your health:
👉 www.carefirst.co.nz/community-news/

17/09/2025

Did you know ONE IN EIGHT people with prostates get prostate cancer? Early detection saves lives, so don’t wait for symptoms.

Regular checks at home are a great start (see tips below 👇), and if you ever need support, Carefirst is here to help. It’s quick, painless, and could make all the difference.