NEWSLETTER
Kia Ora, and welcome to the first newsletter from Burwood Health. We are excited to be able to offer a new communication method with our patients, helping to keep you up-to-date with everything that is happening at the practice.
A LITTLE BIT ABOUT US!
Burwood Health opened on Monday 4th November 2019 and joined together Parklands Medical Centre, Queenspark Medical and Dr Philippa Ryan from QEII Medical.
Over the past three and a half years, the practice has expanded and now consists of 6 Doctors, 1 Nurse Practitioner, 5 Nurses, 1 Health Care Assistant, 1 Health Improvement Practitioner and 6 Receptionists, and 1 Business Manager.
The practice is conveniently situated beside Ōruapaeroa (Travis Wetlands) and offers an inviting and safe space for all our patients and their whānau. The practice is culturally diverse and we invite patients to make suggestions for ways that we could further enhance our services to the local community.
WHAT’S NEW AT BURWOOD HEALTH
As a team we are continually developing the practice, the services we offer and ensuring that our staff are up-to-date with the most relevant medical care.
Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the practice has had to make many changes and adaptations as the situations arise. We have reviewed our policies, procedures and services to ensure that we are offering the best care and safety to all our patients and staff.
We have introduced a range of new services including:
• Women’s Health Procedures
• Diabetic Care Clinics
• Travel Vaccinations
as well as continuing with our existing range:
• Childhood Immunisations
• Influenza Vaccinations
• Minor Surgery
• Cervical Smears
• And more
As we continue through 2023 and into the coming years, we hope to continue to expand our services and meet the needs of the local community.
INFLUENZA SEASON
As we head into Winter 2023, it is important for your health, the health of your whānau and those around you that you take precautions to prevent the spread of the Influenza virus.
The 2023 flu vaccinations are now available at Burwood Health. Did you know that you may be eligible for a Government Funded Influenza Vaccination? Eligibility includes:
• Pregnant people (any trimester)
• 65 years and older
• Māori and Pacific people aged 55 to 64
Years
• Certain chronic conditions including:
o COPD
o Heart Failure
o Diabetes
o Immunocompromised
o Asthma
• Children aged 6 months to 12 years
If you think you may be eligible for the Government Funded vaccination, please speak to our clinical team.
If you are not eligible and would like the flu vaccine this season, you can arrange an appointment. Vaccination costs start at $30.
MANAGE MY HEALTH (MMH)
Burwood Health now offers Manage My Health to our patients. This easy and convenient app allows you to be just a click away from booking online appointments, requesting prescriptions (only $20 for all patients when using MMH), review results and check on your immunisation history.
To find out more, please ask our reception team to start your registration process when you are next in the practice.
NURSE PHONE CONSULTATIONS
Due to the current demand on our nurses’, Burwood Health is implementing a new charge for nurse phone consultation services.
Our nurses provide clinical advice to patients both in practice and over the phone. Previously the practice has not charged for advice given by our nurses.
From Monday 29th May 2023, all non-urgent nurse phone consultations that do not result in an appointment with a doctor, will incur a fee.
Our nurses are still available to triage all urgent requests, however, if your call is deemed as non-urgent, the nurse will discuss charges with you before proceeding.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 111 for an ambulance.
MONEY MATTERS
Did you know that payment for your consultation is due on the day you are seen?
We understand that the cost of living has increased and some patients may find it difficult to pay their account on the day, however, support is available. If you feel you may not be able to pay your account on the day of your appointment, please ring and speak to one of our reception team prior to your appointment.
AUTOMATIC PAYMENTS
If you would like to pay your account via Automatic Payment, or set up regular payments in this method, please advise reception.
Our bank details are:
03 0767 0036754 000
DIABETIC CARE CLINICS
Are you a Diabetic patient? Did you know that the practice now offers a Diabetic Care clinic with our nursing team. These are a 30-minute appointment and are partially Government Funded. Prior to your appointment you will be advised if you need an updated blood test, which the nurse will review with you at your consultation.
The nurse will check in on your diet and lifestyle and offer any recommendations that are relevant. If you are interested in finding out more about our Diabetic Care Clinics, or would like to arrange an appointment, contact the practice on 03 383 0219 to speak to one of our team.
HAVE YOU SEEN OR WEBSITE AND FACEBOOK PAGE?
Did you know that we have a website and a Facebook page? These are great communication tools and another way that we like to keep our patients up-to-date with everything that is happening in the practice. To find out more why not visit www.burwoodhealth.co.nz or search for us on Facebook.
INCREASE TO PRACTICE FEES
Earlier this year we increased the fees to several our services, for the first time in over 2 years. The practice has refrained from implementing an increase for as long as possible.
To find out more about our service fees, please ask at reception or visit our website www.burwoodhealth.co.nz
TRAVEL VACCINATIONS
Now that travel is back on the agenda, it is important to make sure you are up-to-date with the health requirements of countries that you intend to visit.
Burwood Health now offers a range of travel vaccinations. If you are planning your next great adventure, why not visit our website www.burwoodhealth.co.nz and check out all the information on our Travel Vaccine page (located under Our Services).
If you are requiring vaccinations for your travel, fill out the form at the bottom of the page, ensuring you complete one per traveller, and a nurse will be in contact (within 10 business days) to arrange your vaccinations.
REPEAT PRESCRIPTION REQUESTS
Ordering your repeat prescription just got easier. You can order through either Manage My Health or via our website. It’s important to note that requests for scripts can take up to 2 business days to be sent to your pharmacy. If you require a script urgently, please contact our reception team before 3pm Monday – Friday.
** Extra fees apply for urgent prescription requests.
MEET OUR NURSE PRACTITIONER – SARAH CLARK
Sarah has worked as a Registered Nurse in General Practice for the past 10 years. In 202 she achieved Designated Nurse Prescribing status, and in 2022, gained a Master of Advanced Nursing Practice with Distinction.
Sarah is a strong advocate for the role of advance nursing in General Practice and enjoys working alongside families and people of all ages to help them achieve better health and wellness.
Outside of work, Sarah enjoys living by the beach with her husband and two dogs, cooking for family and friends and reading.
WHAT IS A NURSE PRACTITIONER?
Nurse Practitioners have undertaken advanced education and clinical training so that they are able to practice beyond the scope of Registered Nurse.
If you see a Nurse Practitioner for your consultation, you can be assured you will have the best care.
A Nurse Practitioner can:
• Diagnose and manage common and complex health conditions
• Order and interpret diagnostic and lab tests
• Prescribe medicines
• Complete WINZ, ACC and other medication documentation
SHINGLES VACCINES
Are you currently 65 years of age?
Did you know that while you are 65 years, you are eligible for Government Funded vaccines, including the Shingles Vaccine.
Shingles is the re-emergence of the Varicella Zoster Virus, more commonly known as Chickenpox.
Shingles, though not as contagious as chickenpox, can be very painful, and appears as a rash that develops on one side of the body, face or head. The rash contains small blisters that generally scab over after 7 – 10 days.
If you are currently 65 years, now is the time to book your shingles vaccine appointment with the nurse. Call the practice today on 03 383 0219 to secure an appointment.
MEASLES MUMPS RUBELLA – THE MISSING GENERATIONS
Were you born after 1969? Did you know that you may not be up-to-date with your Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination. It is important to ensure that you check your immunisation status, and if necessary, have further vaccinations.
There is also a chance, that if you are aged 15 – 30 years you may not have completed the recommended course of MMR vaccinations.
Contact the practice today on 03 383 0219 to find out if you are a part of the priority groups and organise your appointment today.
