As this unique year draws to a close we would like to wish all our patients a safe and happy holiday season.

Tarawera Medical Centre will be open as normal except on the stat holidays of Christmas Day, Monday 28th December, New Years Day and Monday 4 December. These days will be covered by the usual after hours service based at Whakatane Hospital.

A year ago we could not have anticipated what 2020 would bring us and despite being in one of the most fortunate positions in the world COVID-19 has had a huge impact on the practice. Managing the sudden change to largely virtual consults during the lockdown was challenging and the return to level 1 a relief.

We are still losing a GP and nurse session a day to COVID-19 because we still need to see all respiratory conditions in our cabin with PPE. This is making it difficult to keep up with all the other usual tasks and is causing some longer than usual waits for appointments. Almost all patients have been very supportive and understanding of these difficult circumstances.

As 2021 progresses we are going to be faced with the challenge of rolling out vaccines. This going also be a drain on resources but a positive one as it will hopefully get us closer to a new normal and enable more efficient practice if the COVID-19 threat can be reduced by wide vaccine coverage.

We hope you all enjoy a restful and safe holiday season.