Te Puke Medical Centre

17/09/2025

💙 September is blue September 💙

👉 Take charge of your health: https://healthify.nz/health-a-z/p/prostate-cancer

September is Blue September, time to talk about prostate cancer.

It’s the most common cancer in Kiwi men, and spotting it early can make all the difference. Don’t wait, learn the symptoms, know your risk and get checked.

👉 Take charge of your health: https://healthify.nz/health-a-z/p/prostate-cancer

15/09/2025

It’s Cervical Screening Awareness Month!

✨ It’s Cervical Screening Awareness Month! ✨

This September, WBOP PHO and Huria Trust are offering free* self-test cervical screening and HPV vaccinations at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa Tauranga campus, with daytime ☀️ and evening 🌙 clinics. Quick, private, and potentially life-saving, it’s a small step that could make a big difference.

Clinic details
☀️ 4 and 10 September – 10am to 1pm
🌙 16 and 22 September – 5pm to 7.30pm
📍 TWOA Tauranga (180 17th Avenue, Tauranga South)

The clinics are open to everyone who meets the eligibility criteria (see below!), whether you’re a student or part of the wider community.

*Mā wai? Who is it for?
Wāhine and whānau with a cervix who are:
• Māori or Pacific aged 25–69
• Aged 25–69 with a Community Services Card
• Aged 30+ and never screened or overdue by 5+ years
• Due for follow-up or not on routine screening

🎁 We’re also running a prize draw!
❓ Answer the question ‘Are you up to date with your cervical screening?’ and fill out the form at bit.ly/CxTWOA or at TWOA reception for your chance to win prizes worth $100.

💉 Get screened or vaccinated on campus to double your entries!

15/09/2025

Thank you to everyone at St John's for your tireless service and dedication!

This winter has been our busiest on record, with more than 50,000 incidents in August alone ❄️

With demand growing, getting the right help is more important than ever. Whether that's an ambulance with lights and sirens, our crews giving you expert treatment in your home, or connecting you with a nurse, paramedic, or health service - we're here for you💛

07/08/2025

Planning a trip? Protect yourself:

If you're heading to the Pacific Islands, take extra care - dengue fever cases are soaring, with Samoa reporting over 2,000 cases since April.

New Zealand has seen a sharp rise in travellers returning with dengue, especially from Samoa. In Auckland alone, July saw 34 confirmed cases - up from just 5 last year.

Planning a trip? Protect yourself:
✅ Wear light-coloured, long-sleeve clothing
✅ Use insect repellent with DEET (check info.health.nz for details on appropriate strength as it depends on whether you're an adult or a child)
✅ Avoid swampy areas or standing water
✅ Sleep under mosquito nets or in screened rooms

Older adults and young children are especially at risk of severe illness. Stay safe and follow local health advice.

Learn more: http://spr.ly/6189feKXz

05/08/2025

11/07/2025

Are you immune?

🧬 Wondering if you're immune to measles? Here's how to find out. 👇🏽

If you were born or lived in NZ before 1969 you are likely immune to measles. This is because before this time there were no measles vaccines. Most people were infected with measles during childhood. If this isn’t you, there are several other ways to check your measles immunity:

✅ Ask your doctor – They may have records of your immunisations or blood test results. You can also check your online patient portal (like Manage My Health or My Indici).

✅ Check My Health Record – This secure site holds immunisation records from 2005 onwards. You can request a copy or ask your doctor to update it.

✅ Check your Well Child or Plunket book.

✅ Call your local lab – If you've had a measles immunity test before, you can request a free printed copy of your results.

✅ Contact travel clinics or overseas providers – if you were immunised abroad or through a travel clinic, ask for your records.

Not sure what your records mean? Talk to your healthcare provider to confirm your immunity. If you can’t find any records, get immunised. It is safe to have another dose of the vaccine even if you are immune.

Try our helpful immunity checker tool: https://info.health.nz/conditions-treatments/infectious-diseases/about-measles/measles-immunity -to-find-medical-records-to-check-your-immunity-5745

15/06/2025

The New Zealand Blood Service (NZBS) needs to collect approximately 167,000 donations per year to meet demand. Every year, over 29,000 New Zealanders require treatment with blood and/or blood products. One blood donation can save up to three lives. Give blood today!

Today is 🩸

Blood is the most precious gift that anyone can give to another person, the gift of life.

Thank you blood donors!

03/06/2025

Ever wondered why we always need blood donations? 🤔

Ever wondered why we always need donations? 🤔

Blood products only last a certain amount of time, and after you donate, there's always a waiting period before you can give again. That's why we always need a steady stream of donations to help us manage stock levels all year round.

Still recharging since your last donation? Tag a mate who can roll up their sleeve instead!

30/05/2025

It is currently Brain Tumour Awareness Month, which is recognised internationally in May.

While brain tumours are relatively rare, it is important to recognise the signs and symptoms as brain cancer survival rates are among the lowest of all cancers.

Common symptoms of a brain tumour include:
- Headaches
- Drowsiness
- Changes in speech or vision
- Nausea (feeling sick) or vomiting
- Seizures.

If you experience one or more of these symptoms it doesn’t necessarily mean you have a brain tumour, but you should visit your doctor and have your symptoms checked.

You can find more information at the below websites:
- https://www.cancer.org.nz/cancer/types-of-cancer/brain-tumours/
- https://teaho.govt.nz/index.php/cancer-information/types-cancer/brain-cancer

30/05/2025

Please note that Te Puke Medical Centre will be closed for the following public holiday,
Kings birthday 2nd June .

If you require urgent medical assistance during this time, the closest Centre is Second Ave which is located at 19 Second Avenue Tauranga.

Whilst we resume operations Tuesday, please also keep in mind our walk in clinic is for emergency cases only. Non-urgent matters will require a scheduled appointment.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

15/05/2025

Important update!

A new case of measles has been identified in Auckland.

There are a number of public locations in Auckland where the person was while infectious. Measles is a serious and highly infectious illness, so people should check their immunisation status and follow public health advice.

Locations of interest include:
• Woolworths Kelston on Saturday 3 May, between 2.30pm and 4.30pm
• Fullers360 ferry journeys on Monday 5 May, with sailings from 3.30pm to 9.45pm
• Auckland Custom St Downtown Carpark on Monday 5 May, between 1.30pm and 2.30pm, and 11.00pm to midnight

If you were at any of these locations, you need to check your immunisation status. If you’re not immune or unsure, watch for measles symptoms and call Healthline for advice on 0800 611 116.

Measles symptoms to be aware of:
• The illness begins with a high fever (over 38°C), cough, runny nose, and sore red eyes (conjunctivitis)
• A rash, beginning on the face and gradually spreading down the body to the arms and legs. The rash lasts for up to one week

More info on current locations of interest:
https://info.health.nz/conditions-treatments/infectious-diseases/about-measles/measles-locations-of-interest-in-aotearoa-new-zealand

Now is an important time to check if you and your whānau are immune to measles, and to get immunised if not. More info at: info.health.nz/immunise

15/05/2025

This Hospice Awareness Week, we pause to acknowledge the vital mahi of hospice services across Aotearoa 🕊️💛

Hospice teams are there for people and their whānau during some of life’s toughest moments - providing care, comfort and kindness when it matters most.

At Healthpoint, we’re committed to supporting access to palliative care by helping people connect with hospice services in their communities.

You can find hospice care in your area here:
🔗 tinyurl.com/HealthpointHospice