Tarawera Medical Centre hosting students

Shareen and Gina.

Shareen and Gina.

Tarawera Medical Centre has a long history of supporting Medical and Nursing students and junior doctors who join us for clinical attachments as part of their studies. We are currently hosting Gina Donk, a 4th year medical student studying at Auckland University, and Shareen Hanif, a 3rd year nursing student from Wintec. Both are enjoying the patient contact and friendly team environment we have with broad exposure to a wide range of General Practice issues as well as the opportunity to see some advanced minor surgical procedures. We would like to thank our patients, who, as always, are also just as welcoming as our staff and happy to have the students sit in on their consultations and procedures.

Reminder about Influenza vaccines. The free vaccines have been extended to the end of August so time is running short if you want to get your free immunisation. Influenza cases have been increasing and it not too late to get some protection.

Congratulations to Dr. Ian Gourlay

Dr. Ian Gourlay with his Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Medicine

Dr. Ian Gourlay with his Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Medicine

Congratulations to Dr. Gourlay who has just graduated with a Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Medicine from the University of Otago continuing the Tarawera Medical Centre tradition of continued learning and expansion of the services and expertise beyond basic General Practice that we offer to our patients. Ian has had a long interest in Occupational Medicine since his days with British Rail and since taking on the occupational medicine duties at Norske Skog Tasman he has continued his studies in this field. Ian has found that the skills learned transfer to a lot of problems presented in GP consultations and have helped him better manage problems for his patients.

Influenza vaccines now available

Our first big batch of Influenza vaccines was delivered today and we have made a quick start to the 2015 immunisations with many being given today. We normally start with the vaccines in early March but this year delivery was delayed so that 2 additional strains could be added to the protection for the upcoming winter season.

If you would like to read some more about common misconceptions about the ‘Flu vaccine see this article from the Centres for Disease Control.

The best defence is to be vaccinated and this is available free of charge to:

  • Anyone aged 65 or over
  • Anyone under 65 with certain chronic conditions (e.g asthma, heart conditions, kidney disease, diabetes)
  • Pregnant women

Please contact us or drop in if you would like to get your vaccination done in time to have protection before the winter.

If you become infected you have a responsibility to reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others. If you are unwell, stay at home until you are better. Follow basic hygiene practices:

  • Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds and dry them for 20 seconds – or use an alcohol-based hand rub.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Don’t share drinks.
  • Avoid crowded places.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze – then put the tissue in a lined bin.

Congratulations Dr. Louisa Barter

Louisa joins Aidan Williams as our second doctor to have completed both the UK and NZ specialist GP assessments. She obtained her MRCGP in the UK and at the end of 2014 completed the the NZ assessment for the FRNZCGP. She received her results early this year and passed easily on the first attempt as Aidan did. The assessment involves a practice visit and passing requires the doctor to be practicing at a high standard in a practice that provides an environment for high quality practice so is an assessment of both doctor and practice. Louisa has worked with us for a number of years now and we are well aware of the quality of her work so it is nice to have this recognised by the College as well.

Dr. Louisa Barter

Dr. Louisa Barter

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Christmas and New Year holiday season

Best wishes to everyone for a safe and happy Christmas, New Year and summer holiday season.

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A juvenile Blackbird like the ones just recently fledged from the nest at the surgery.

 

 

Tarawera Medical Centre will be open normal hours every day except for the statutory holidays (Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day and 2 Jan). For those patients needing repeat scripts before going away a reminder that email script requests need to be sent the day before you need them so Tuesday of the next two weeks will be the last day to send email requests if you need them before the holiday. Urgent script requests that are needed the same day will need to be phoned through to reception as usual.

Walk-in clinics as usual 8-11:30 every morning. From next year we will be expanding the Friday afternoon walk-in clinic to more afternoons from 4:30 as a lot of patients have been dropping in at this time slot already.

Have fun, stay safe and don’t forget the sunscreen.