Clutha Health First

04/09/2025

📢 Important Notice: Facility Maintenance – Saturday 6th September

Please be aware that scheduled maintenance work will be taking place at our facility on Saturday 6th September. During this time, our after-hours GP team will be onsite to manage emergencies only.

If you are an after-hours GP patient, we kindly ask that you phone Ka Ora (via 4190500 or 0800 252 672) in the first instance, who will offer advice or arrange care. Please do not self-present to the facility.

In an emergency, always call 111.

Thank you for your understanding and co-operation as our team completes this important work to improve our services for our community.

01/09/2025

September is Cervical Screening Month! 🌸

It's been made easier—and more rewarding—than ever to look after your health. Most women can now complete their cervical screening using the simple self-swab option, offering privacy and comfort.

And here’s the exciting part: every woman who completes her cervical screen in September will go into the draw to win a prize from some truly awesome local businesses! 🎁💐

Let’s take care of ourselves and each other. Book your screening today!

31/08/2025

🌡️ The Flu is Still Circulating in Our Community 🌡️

We’re seeing a noticeable rise in flu and flu-like symptoms across our community. While it’s not unusual for the flu to linger into spring, it’s a timely reminder to look after ourselves and each other.

Here are a few simple ways to help stop the spread:
🛌 Stay home if you're unwell – even mild symptoms can be contagious. Rest up and recover fully before returning to work, school, or community activities.
🧼 Practice good hand hygiene – wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or use hand sanitiser when out and about.
😷 Cover coughs and sneezes – use a tissue or your elbow, and dispose of tissues properly.
🏠 Keep your distance – if someone is unwell, give them space and avoid close contact.
💉 Consider getting your flu vaccine – it’s not too late to protect yourself and those around you.

🧪 Not sure what’s making you feel unwell?
Were you aware you can now get a single self-testing kit that checks for Influenza A, B, RSV, and COVID-19 — all in one? These combined kits are available from local pharmacies for $12 each and are a great option if you're feeling under the weather but you're unsure if it's a viral bug.

📞 Contact your GP if you’re feeling very unwell, have difficulty breathing, a high fever that doesn’t improve, or if you’re in a high-risk group (such as young children, older adults, or those with underlying health conditions). It’s always better to check in early if you’re unsure.

Let’s work together to keep our community healthy and safe. Ngā mihi nui for doing your part!

Send a message to learn more

29/08/2025

Today is Daffodil Day – a symbol of hope, strength, and support for all New Zealanders affected by cancer.

We are pleased to support our local Cancer Society who help fund life-saving research, support services to patients and their whanau, and prevention efforts across NZ.

💛 Together, we can make a difference. 💛

27/08/2025

25/08/2025

𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄: 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟏 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

𝐎̄𝐰𝐚𝐤𝐚 - 𝐁𝐨𝐢𝐥 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐝 💧
The boil water notice in place for Ōwaka has now been lifted.

Repairs were completed last week and the plant is now fully operational, with 3 days of clear sampling results received from the plant and the town.

Council therefore advises that consumers no longer need to boil their water. Arrangements have been made to remove the water tanker from the park in Ōwaka.

Council thanks you for your patience and understanding during this time.
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𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐎̄𝐰𝐚𝐤𝐚 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 🚰
𝐁𝐨𝐢𝐥 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 & 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞
We will add all the latest information to this post about the Ōwaka boil water notice. You can also read more at www.cluthadc.govt.nz/alerts
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𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟐𝟕 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 (𝟑𝐩𝐦):

Repairs are now complete at the Ōwaka water treatment plant and flushing has begun to to draw chlorinated water through the network.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐢𝐥 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞, as we are required to have three days of compliant water sample results from the network before lifting the boil water notice. Anyone using water from their tap for consumption (including teeth cleaning and washing fruit and vegetables) should boil it for 1 minute before it is used.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐛𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐝. Thank you for your efforts to help conserve water.

Thank you for your patience. Please phone Council on 0800 801 350 if you have any questions or concerns.
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𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄: 𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟐𝟕 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭:
Repairs are ongoing today at the Ōwaka water treatment plant.

The boil water notice remains in place for residents in Ōwaka while our team works to resolve the problem.

Consumers are asked to continue monitoring their water use and conserve where they can. Reservoir levels are recovering, however the plant will require further shutdowns today and this may affect reservoir levels.

Thank you for your patience while we keep working to resolve this. If you have any concerns please phone Council on 0800 801 350.
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𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄: 𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 (𝟐𝟔/𝟎𝟖): A boil water notice has been issued for residents in the Ōwaka township. Water has been treated by UV, however due to a dosing fault at the treatment plant there has been low chlorine levels detected in the network.

Anyone using water from their tap for consumption (including teeth cleaning and washing fruit and vegetables) should boil it for 1 minute before it is used.

𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐫𝐮𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 - Reservoir levels have been trending down due to plant shutdowns.

Staff and contractors will be working to repair the equipment fault at the plant today. The plant will be shut down for a period so that repairs can be undertaken, and reservoir levels are likely to drop further because of this. Consumers are asked to monitor their water use and conserve water where they can.

Council will flush hydrants to draw chlorinated water through the network once repairs are complete.
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A water tanker trailer has been placed at the Ōwaka Playground carpark (on the Main Road). Residents can bring their own clean containers to fill with fresh water once the trailer has been dropped off.

Visit our boil water FAQ’s page for more information: www.cluthadc.govt.nz/boil-water-faqs

Please help us spread the word by telling affected friends and neighbours.

We apologise for the inconvenience that this will cause. It is expected that this will be short term, and Council appreciates your patience while we work hard to resolve this.

20/08/2025

🚗 Community Safety Reminder – Speed Limit is 5km/h

We would like to remind all members of our community that the speed limit in our carparks and driveways is strictly 5km/h.

We have observed several instances where speed has been a concerning factor onsite. This is not just a matter of rules—it’s a matter of safety. Children, families, and pedestrians are regularly present, and even a small increase in speed can have serious consequences.

Additionally, please be aware that multiple vehicles are moving through these areas at various times throughout the day. This increases the risk of accidents and makes it even more critical that all drivers remain alert and adhere to the speed limit.

The entry to our carpark is from Charlotte Street, please do not enter from Clyde Street. This is not an authorised entry point.

Please slow down and drive with care while on our site. Your co-operation is essential in maintaining a safe and respectful environment for everyone.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Send a message to learn more

13/08/2025

🚨 Important Health Update for Our Community 🚨
Our local health team is currently short-staffed for acute and urgent care. We’re asking for your support to help us prioritise those who need immediate attention.

🕒 If your health concern is NOT urgent, please call back later in the week when we expect to have more staff available.

📞 For urgent or emergency situations, always call 111.

You can also access support through these services:
🔹 Healthline – Free health advice from registered nurses and paramedics.
📱 Call 0800 611 116 – Available 24/7
💬 Great for advice when you're unsure what to do, can't reach your GP, or need help with medication.
🔗 More info: Healthline

🔹 Ka Ora Telecare – A free after-hours phone and video health service for rural communities.
📱 Call 0800 252 672 (0800 2 KA ORA)
🕔 Available 5pm–8:30am weekdays, and 24/7 on weekends and public holidays
💬 Speak to a nurse or book an appointment online. Free for tamariki under 14.
🔗 More info: Ka Ora Telecare

13/08/2025

🤰 Just Found Out You're Pregnant? Or Already Under Midwifery Care? 💬

Whether you've just received the exciting news or you're already connected with one of our wonderful LMC midwives, we're here to support you every step of the way!

📞 Contact a LMC Midwife:
If you’re looking to get in touch, have questions, or need to book an appointment, here’s how, simply contact:
📱 Michelle Thomson: 027 201 8022
📱 Sheryl Smith: 027 201 8137

💡 Need to engage with a LMC?
No problem! Reach out and we’ll help guide you through the process of choosing and connecting with the right midwife for your journey.

Your care, comfort, and confidence matter to us. Don’t hesitate to get in touch 💗

13/08/2025

🚀 Ready for Your Next Opportunity? Join Our Team!

We’re on the lookout for passionate, talented individuals who want to make a real impact. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, we’ve got a place for you.

💼 Current Vacancies:
Take a further look at our current vacancies: https://cluthahealth.co.nz/about-us/careers/

✨ Why Join Us?
Supportive team culture
Opportunities for growth
Meaningful work that makes a difference

📍 Apply now and become part of something great. Your future starts here!

05/08/2025

🚧 Reminder: Important Traffic Update – CHF Facility Access Impacted Today 🚧

Please be advised that access to our facility via the usual Charlotte Street driveway will be temporarily closed for one brief period today (Wednesday), due to the delivery and installation of our new switchboard for our new emergency generator.

🔹 Driveway Closure Time:
Approx. 11.00 am. The closure will last for approximately 30 minutes.

🔹 Alternative Access:
During the above time, all traffic will be diverted to the driveway next to our Chapel/Quiet Room. Directional signage, cones, and traffic personnel will be in place to assist traffic flow. Please adhere to directions given.

We appreciate your understanding and co-operation as we work to enhance our facility’s emergency preparedness. Please plan your visit accordingly and allow extra time for arrival during the time mentioned above.

Thank you for your support! 🙏