The Doctors NZ

13/10/2025

Breast Changes? Don’t wait. Get Checked, fast.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month – a timely reminder to do regular self-checks, as early detection is vital. If you’ve noticed something unusual – like a lump, swelling, or skin changes – and can’t get a same-day appointment at your usual clinic, we’re here to help.

You can speak to one of our online doctors, and if you’ve taken photos beforehand, that can really help. They’ll assess your symptoms, provide support, and recommend in-person follow up if needed.

We encourage everyone to know what their breasts normally look and feel like, and to understand what common changes to watch out for. Breast Cancer NZ recommends checking your breasts once every year.

If you have any concerns or want to learn more about breast health, don't hesitate to book an appointment with us. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Click here for more information from the experts: https://www.breastcancerfoundation.org.nz/

To book an appointment click here: https://m-the-doctors-online.indicipms.nz/

09/10/2025

October is Health Literacy Month – a great time to remind ourselves how important it is to understand and use health information to make the best decisions for our well-being.

Understanding your health shouldn’t be confusing. If you don’t understand something, please don’t hesitate to ask for clarity – we want to empower your health journey at all stages of life.

Improving your health literacy leads to better health.

Healthify is a great place to start: https://healthify.nz/

05/10/2025

👩‍⚕️ We’re delighted to welcome Dr Ruth Lopes to The Doctors Motueka!

Dr Ruth joins us with over 25 years’ experience as a GP and family medicine specialist. Originally from Portugal, she’s lived and worked across the world, spending the last decade in Sweden before making Aotearoa her new home. 🌏✨

Dr Ruth is passionate about the balance of preventive and therapeutic care, with a special interest in mental health and stress-related illness, including burnout. She’s also led preventative health projects and shared her insights through radio and YouTube to support community wellbeing.

Her philosophy? That the heart of medicine lies in working alongside patients, learning from them, and caring for the whole person in their cultural and social environment. 💙

Outside the clinic, Dr Ruth loves hiking, swimming, writing, and spending time with her adult children. Please join us in giving her a very warm Motueka welcome! 👏

05/10/2025

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week. Over 25% of Kiwis experience poor mental wellbeing. If you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, it’s important to seek professional support. Health Improvement Practitioners and Health Coaches are available for a consult at many of our medical centres – and it’s free to see them! https://www.thedoctors.co.nz/services/mental-health

01/10/2025

How healthy is your heart? Find out in just 5 minutes with the Heart Foundation’s free online tool. https://www.heartfoundation.org.nz/your-heart/my-heart-check Book an appointment with your regular GP if you have any concerns.

29/09/2025

80% of all new cancers are skin cancer in NZ. As we head into warmer months the best skin protection is a SPF50 sunscreen and covering up. If you have skin concerns, chat to our GP team. We’ll let you know if you need further assessment. https://thedoctors.co.nz/services/skin-checks-and-skin-cancer

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

🏠 Moving soon? You may not need to change healthcare providers! With over 65 medical centres nationwide, we can help you transfer to one of our other practices.

Speak to our team before you go to find out more.

View our full list of medical centres here: https://thedoctors.co.nz/

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

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...

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/

19/09/2025

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.

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/

17/09/2025

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.

14/09/2025

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.

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

06/08/2025

📱 Are your contact details up to date?

If you're an enrolled patient with The Doctors Motueka, please take a moment to check that we have your current contact info next time you're in — including your Next of Kin details.

Keeping your info up to date helps us get in touch when it matters most. 💙

04/08/2025

💻 Need to see a GP sooner or from home?

The Doctors Online is a convenient way to access trusted GP care where and when it suits you.

Helpful if we’re fully booked or you’d just prefer an online consult.

For FAQs, fees, and to see if it’s right for you, visit https://www.thedoctorsonline.co.nz/

31/07/2025

💚 Free support for your wellbeing

Feeling overwhelmed? Want to make positive changes to your health or lifestyle? Our Health Improvement Practitioner Robyn and Health Coach Kim are here to help — and their support is completely free for enrolled patients. 🙌

They can support you or your whānau with:
✔ Managing stress, low mood, or mental health
✔ Coping with grief or loneliness
✔ Building healthier habits — sleep, food, exercise, and more
✔ Managing long-term conditions
✔ Reducing harm from alcohol or drug use

No referral needed. Just call us on 03 528 8358, talk to your GP, or ask at Reception to book.

28/07/2025

💊 Medication Reviews with Clinical Pharmacist – No cost to enrolled patients

Our Clinical Pharmacist, Megan, is available every Friday for medication reviews. This service is fully funded by the PHO, so there's no cost to see her.

Please note: Medication reviews need to alternate between a pharmacist and a GP. So if you saw Megan last time, your next review will need to be with your GP.

Call us to book.

24/07/2025

📅 More appointments, less waiting!

From 1 August, we’re increasing appointment availability to help reduce wait times for routine (non urgent) visits. 🙌

More clinicians will be in the practice every day, with pre-bookable appointments available up to 6 weeks in advance via The Doctors App or by giving us a call.

We’re still keeping same-day slots free for acute needs.

04/06/2025

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