We have had another crazy busy day at the Tarawera Medical Centre with large numbers of people phoning. Because this means that every person has to be called back by a clinical staff member it is placing a huge load on staff even with the internet and phone lines not being an issue like yesterday.

A big part of this traffic has been people phoning for repeat scripts even when they have recently had a 3 month script done. This unnecessary early requesting of scripts is placing an extra burden on us.

As essential services the Medical Centre and Pharmacy will remain open normal hours throughout the next 4 week lockdown. There is no need to panic and order extra supplies “just in case”. As Dr. Lavelle so aptly stated to the crowd outside the Pharmacy when he was dropping off a batch of scripts “don’t let medicines become an issue like toilet paper” – there is no need to hoard either.

We managed to run our first influenza vaccine clinic through the PathLab entrance and administered our entire batch of vaccines. We have more on backorder but don’t yet have a delivery date. If they arrive tomorrow we will post on the website. At this stage it is only for the subsidised group of patients (over 65 or those with chronic heart or respiratory conditions or other chronic diseases).

Remember, we are in this together. We are here to help you but have to practice in a different way to protect everybody from illness. This is making it a lot more difficult for us so we need you to help us. Please be considerate and only ask for help with urgent issues at present. Asking for early repeat medicines is making it harder and makes it difficult for us to do our best for those that really need prompt attention.