Westland Medical Centre

06/11/2025

Measles outbreak update, Thursday 6 Nov

There are no new measles cases today. The total number of confirmed cases remains at 17, and all are no longer infectious.
The outbreak is still ongoing, and Health New Zealand is focused on stamping out further spread. An outbreak can only be declared over after 42 days with no new cases - so we’re not there yet.

⚠️ More cases are expected, and New Zealand remains at high risk.
Health New Zealand will keep sharing updates as new information becomes available.

What you can do:
✅ Immunisation is your best protection. Two doses of the MMR vaccine protect ~99% of people.
✅ Check your immunisation status with your healthcare provider.
✅ Stay home if you're unwell and watch for symptoms.

🩺 Measles symptoms include:
• High fever, cough, runny nose, sore red eyes
• Rash starting on the face, spreading down the body

📞 If you think you have measles, call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for advice.
🔗 More info:

05/11/2025

Soroptimists support K9MD's quest for research participants to develop an early diagnostic tool for Ovarian Cancer
• one NZ woman dies every 48 hours
• 80+% are diagnosed late stage
If you are eligible, please consider signing up.
If you meet the criteria and would like to learn more please email: nurse@k9medicaldetection.nz

05/11/2025

04/11/2025

Not sure if you’re protected against measles? Here are some ways to check your immunisation status:

💻 Use the online tool
Answer a few questions about your age and vaccination history to see if you may be protected: https://info.health.nz/conditions-treatments/infectious-diseases/about-measles/measles-immunity

🩺 Ask your GP, nurse, or healthcare provider
We can check your records or help you decide whether you should get vaccinated.

📱 Call the Vaccination Helpline
0800 28 29 26 (Mon–Fri 8:30am–9pm, weekends 8:30am–2pm)
Interpreters, Māori kaimahi, and disability advisors are available.

📘 Check your childhood records
Look in your Plunket/WellChild Tamariki Ora book or any immunisation records you may have at home.

✈️ Grew up overseas?
Contact your previous doctor or clinic to request your immunisation records.

💙 If you can’t find your records or you're unsure, it’s safe for most people to get another dose of the MMR vaccine — and it’s free for most people in Aotearoa.

During Measles Immunisation Week (3–7 Nov), take action to protect yourself and your whānau. 💜🌿

03/11/2025

💜 It’s Measles Immunisation Week! 💜

Measles spreads very easily — but the great news is that it’s preventable. This week is all about making sure our community stays protected and healthy.

The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps & rubella) is free for anyone under 18 and for those who are eligible for free healthcare. Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide 99% of people with protection against measles. ✅

Not sure if you or your child are up to date? Now’s the perfect time to check.

📞 To book your MMR vaccine, call our reception team on (03) 755 8180.

Let’s keep Westland safe together 💜🌿

23/10/2025

💜🇳🇿 Labour Day Public Holiday Closure 🇳🇿💜

Westland Medical Centre will be closed on Monday, 27th October for Labour Day.
We’ll reopen with our usual hours on Tuesday, 28th October.

If you need urgent medical care during this time, please call 111.

We hope you all enjoy a safe and relaxing long weekend! 🌿💜

22/10/2025

💨🌧️ Evening Clinic Closing Early 🌧️💨

Kia ora everyone,

Due to the current weather conditions, our evening clinic will be finishing early tonight at 6:30pm - this will allow our team to get home safely. 💜

We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

Stay safe, keep warm, and please take care on the roads! 💜

08/10/2025

📞⚠️ Phone Line Issues – We’re Sorry! ⚠️📞

Kia ora everyone,

We’re aware that some people are having trouble getting through to Westland Medical Centre by phone today. It appears there are network issues with Spark that are affecting incoming calls in our area.

We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and understand how frustrating this can be. 💜 Our team is still here and operating as usual, but you may experience difficulty reaching us until the issue is resolved.

If your matter is urgent, please come into the Medical Centre in person. For emergencies, always call 111.

Thank you for your patience and understanding while this is being fixed.

09/09/2025

✨ New Series Alert! ✨

Alongside our “Did You Know?” posts, we’re excited to launch a new series: “Meet the Practice” 💜

Each post will introduce you to one of the wonderful team members here at Westland Medical Centre, so you can get to know the friendly faces who care for our community. 🌿

👩‍⚕️ Introducing: Emma Wieblitz
🩺 Role: Health Coach
💬 After dedicating 21 years as a Pharmacy Technician in Hokitika, I took a brief detour into a role outside the health sector. This experience reaffirmed my passion for health and well-being, and I’m thrilled to return to the field as a Health Coach with West Coast Health. This allows me to support individuals to take control of their own health journey and make positive changes to live their healthiest lives.
Born and raised on the West Coast, I grew up in a family that loved the outdoors. In my spare time I enjoy beach walking, trail running, tramping, kayaking and swimming in the West Coast lakes and rivers. I love embracing the West Coast lifestyle with my husband, our two boys, and extended family. These activities not only keep me active but also connect me to the natural beauty that surrounds us.

Stay tuned as we share more of our amazing team with you!

11/08/2025

📢 Night Clinic Closing Early📢
Monday 11 August

Kia ora, everyone – please note that the Night Clinic tonight, Monday, 11 August will be closing early at 6.00pm.

We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

If you require urgent medical attention during this time, please call 111.

Thank you for your continued support. 💙