Kia ora koutou (hello everyone),
At Devonport Health Centre, we’re always looking for ways to keep things running smoothly for our patients and community. Here’s what you need to know this month:
Farewell to Dr Chris Dominick
After many years of dedicated service to our patients and community, Dr Chris Dominick will be finishing with us this month.
- Last day: Thursday, 23 April
- Farewell event: Join us on 23 April, from 1 pm to 2:30 pm at the practice to celebrate Dr Chris’ career
- RSVP: Please confirm your attendance by completing this form: Dr Chris’ Farewell RSVP
We are incredibly grateful for the care Dr Chris has provided over the years. He has been a valued part of our community, and he will be greatly missed.
In other team news, Dr Carlos Campos and Dr Peter Vrancken are settling in well and enjoying getting to know our patients.
ANZAC Day Hours & Prescriptions
Devonport Health Centre will be closed on:
- Monday, 27 April (ANZAC Day observed)
To make sure you have everything you need over the long weekend, please submit any repeat prescription requests through ManageMyHealth by 4 pm on Thursday, 23 April. Requests received after this time may not be processed before the weekend.
Flu Season
With winter approaching, now is the time to protect yourself and your whānau.
- Dedicated flu clinics: Running every Tuesday and Thursday, 10:30 am to 2:30 pm
Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of serious illness this winter. Some of our patients can get a funded (no-cost) vaccine. You can check your eligibility here.
Women’s Health: HRT Consultations
Devonport Health Centre offers dedicated consultations for Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
If you have questions about menopause or hormonal health, please book a time to talk through your options. Appointments range from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on your needs, with fees ranging from the standard consultation fee up to $195, based on the service provided.
You can learn more here.
Repeat Prescriptions Process
While we offer repeat prescriptions as we know they are a valuable part of ongoing care, some medications cannot be issued without a clinical review.
- Safety first: All prescription requests are assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure your treatment remains safe and effective.
- Declined requests: If your request cannot be completed, our team will contact you to arrange an appointment.
We also appreciate your patience and kindness towards our reception team when they contact you, as they are following clinical guidance to support your care.
Our Commitment to Quality Care
At Devonport Health Centre, we continually work to improve the quality of care we provide through Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI).
- Health equity: We are committed to ensuring every patient has access to high-quality care. A key part of this is whānau engagement, and we aim to work alongside you and your family to support your wellbeing.
- Language support: If English is not your first language, please let us know. We can arrange a translator to ensure you are fully informed and comfortable during your visit. Our team also speaks Portuguese, Spanish, Bengali, Hebrew, Dutch, Afrikaans, and German, in addition to English.
Please let us know if you need any additional support when booking your appointment.
Managing Your Consultation Time
Our standard appointments are scheduled for 15 minutes. We want to ensure you receive the most thorough care possible, but some health issues are more complex and require additional time.
- Extended fees: If your appointment exceeds 15 minutes, an extended or double consultation fee may apply.
- Prioritising your health: For your safety, our doctors will not rush a complex diagnosis or concern.
To make the most of your time, consider bringing a list of concerns to your appointment. This allows you and your doctor to prioritise what is most urgent and what may need to be followed up later.
Practice Reminders
To help keep the practice running smoothly, we kindly ask for your cooperation with the following:
- Enrolment: Please check your enrolment status, as these do expire. Keeping your enrolment up to date ensures you continue to receive subsidised care.
- Accounts: We kindly ask that any outstanding balances be paid promptly. Our admin team is working hard to follow up on these, and late fees may apply to overdue accounts.
- Bookings: The quickest and most convenient way to book an appointment is through ManageMyHealth. Please speak to reception if you have not yet registered.
If you have any concerns or complaints, please contact our Practice Manager directly. We value your feedback.
Skin Checks Available
Skin checks are important year-round, not just in summer.
- Dr Ben Gaunt is available on Wednesdays and is Southern Cross affiliated.
- Dr Sarah English is available Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.
Early detection makes a real difference, so don’t delay if you have any concerns. You can learn more about our skin clinic here.
Weight Loss Clinic
Our Weight Loss Clinic is currently experiencing high demand. Led by Dr Ori Harel, this is a health-first, structured approach that goes beyond simple dieting.
- Medical oversight: Dr Ori provides clinical assessments to identify and address underlying factors such as metabolic health and hormonal balance.
- Modern treatment options: We offer guidance and monitoring for the latest medical treatments, where appropriate, alongside sustainable lifestyle strategies.
- Comprehensive support: Access personalised nutritional guidance and long-term support tailored to your body and goals.
You can learn more about our weight loss clinic here.
A Quick Note on Kindness
Our team is working hard to support both patients and each other during a busy time. We kindly ask for your patience and understanding when speaking with our reception and clinical teams. It truly makes a difference.
Thank you for choosing us as your healthcare provider. We look forward to supporting you at your next visit.
Ngā mihi (thanks),
The Devonport Health Centre Team