LEVEL THREE changes from 12th August

A quick update in response to the governments announcement as we move back up to Alert Level 3 from 12pm on Wednesday 12th August 2020.

We are expecting very high call volumes tomorrow (Wednesday), so please keep this in mind.

All appointments for tomorrow morning will continue as planned until 12pm, however we plan to move as many consults after this to phone or video consultation.

If you are unwell with a fever, cough, runny nose or other symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, please call Healthline on 0800 611 116, or present to a CBAC (Community Based Assessment Centre or swabbing clinic). The two nearest clinics are:

• Whanau House, Waipareira Trust, Henderson - Corner of Edsel St & Catherine St Henderson - Open 8am-3pm, Monday to Friday

• Northcote Community Testing Centre - 16-18 College Road, Northcote. Corner of College Road and Kilham Avenue. Entrance via College Road - Open 8am-3pm, Monday to Friday

• Eden Terrace Community Testing Centre - 112 New North Road, Eden Terrace. Entrance via Ngahura Street - Open 8am-3pm, Monday to Friday

If you need a prescription request, please leave a phone message or fill out our Nurse Contact form. All scripts will now be faxed to your pharmacy of choice, so please specify this in your message. If you have more than 2 weeks supply of medication, please only request a repeat of your medications when you are in your final 2 weeks of supply.

We will continue to keep our website updated as the situation changes.

Can I return to work?

Please refer to this document with more advice regarding safety to return to work if you have any medical conditions. If you have further questions or need clarification, please call/email our nurses or book an appointment with your GP.

COVID-19_risk-matrix_4-MAY_FINAL.pdf

Download PDF • 57KB

LEVEL TWO UPDATE

Here's a quick update to keep you posted on some of the changes.

Consultations at Level Two

All doctors, nurses and receptionists will be back in the office each week (starting Monday 18th May), working their usual hours.

We will now be aiming to have 50% of consultations over the phone or video, and resuming face to face care where needed.

If you have any potential COVID-19 symptoms (any acute respiratory infection with at least one of the following symptoms: cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, sneezing, post-nasal drip, loss of sense of smell, with or without fever), we request that you speak to a nurse first before making an appointment. Any potential COVID-19 cases may need to be seen at a CBAC (community based assessment centre) for swabbing first.

Opening Hours

Opening hours will increase on Monday 18th May to: 

Monday - Thursday, open 8am to 6pm

Friday, open 8am - 5:30pm

Saturdays, open 9am - 12pm.

Waiting Room Changes

• Physical distancing in the waiting room with 1.5m between chairs (6 chairs in the waiting room, and one chair outside).

• Acrylic 'sneeze guards' in place at reception

• The front door will be open (to reduce the amount of physical contact with the door handle)

• All patients will still be given a mask to wear on arrival, and we will request that you use the hand sanitiser on arrival and departure

Influenza Vaccines

Thanks for your patience and understanding with Flu vaccines this year! Like all general practices we have been very disappointed by organisation and delivery of these from the Ministry of Health's supply chain.

We are expecting new stock to slowly come through, with more stock expected (but not confirmed) for Friday 15th May. They are FREE for anyone 65 years and over, or anyone with an eligible medical condition (check your eligibility at  https://www.fightflu.co.nz/). Otherwise, Flu vaccines are $30. We are also going to allow people to wait in their cars after their flu vaccine for 15 minutes (if they have previously had it with no reaction), rather than the waiting room, to reduce the chances of any possible COVID19 community transmission. 

Contacting Us

We're still waiting on a patient portal to help with making appointments, requesting repeat prescriptions, and asking for advice, but our provider is still a bit behind. 

We are doing the best on the phones, but please feel free to email or use our website contact forms with any non-urgent requests. 

Mental Health Resources

Here is a list of useful resources if you're needing some support:

https://1737.org.nz/

Free call or text 1737 for the "Need to Talk" line

https://www.justathought.co.nz/covid19

(Free New Zealand based online mental health course)

https://www.mentemia.com/

(Free New Zealand mental health app)

https://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/get-help/covid-19/

(Link to the NZ Mental Health Foundation page about COVID-19)