The Doctors NZ

12/11/2025

Measles Outbreak - FREE vaccines

Measles is highly infectious. This year in Aotearoa New Zealand we have already had cases of measles.

The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is now FREE in New Zealand for adults and children.

After one dose of the vaccine, around 95% of people are fully protected, and after 2 doses, 99% of people are fully protected.

The MMR vaccine is the best form of protection against measles.
Book your free MMR vaccine today at one of our medical centres! If you or your whānau feel unwell, please stay home and call us before visiting.

Learn more: https://info.health.nz/conditions-treatments/infectious-diseases/about-measles/measles

05/11/2025

Measles is highly infectious. This year in Aotearoa New Zealand we have already had cases of measles. The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is now free for adults as of 1 October 2025! After one dose of the vaccine, around 95% of people are fully protected, and after 2 doses, 99% of people are fully protected.

Book your free MMR vaccine today at one of our medical centres!

If you or your whānau feel unwell, you can call Healthline for advice and information about what to do next. Please don’t visit the practice if you feel unwell – call your practice before coming in.

Learn more: https://info.health.nz/conditions-treatments/infectious-diseases/about-measles/measles

04/11/2025

November is Diabetes Action Month – a timely reminder to seek medical advice if you have concerns or have had a recent diagnosis of diabetes. It’s reasonably common in New Zealand with over 323,700 people living with it. Young people can get diabetes too – know what to look for. Get more information from the experts: https://www.diabetesactionmonth.org.nz/

03/11/2025

1.8 billion people around the world are disabled – representing 17% of the global population. Purple Tuesday is a reminder to work towards accessibility everyday, everywhere for everyone.Learn more: https://purpletuesday.co/

28/10/2025

Hay Fever season 🤧

If you are sneezing, dealing with itchy eyes, or a runny nose, hay fever may be the culprit!

Here are some quick tips to help you feel better:

✅ Keep windows closed during high pollen days

✅ Change clothes after being outside

✅ Talk to your GP about relief options

Book an appointment now - https://www.thedoctors.co.nz/book-appointment

26/10/2025

Happy Labour Day!

All our medical centres are closed on public holidays, except Urgent Care Centres, which remain open for walk-in services.

If it’s an emergency, dial 111.

If you need urgent medical assistance, visit your nearest A&E or Urgent Care Centre.

For regular GP and healthcare appointments after the long weekend, you can book via our patient portal.

21/10/2025

A self-requested health test helped save a life! Saad Mansour detected early-stage prostate cancer through a simple PSA test, all thanks to BODYiQ, a self-requested health and blood testing service. The Doctors Online partnered with Awanui Labs to provide clinical follow-up for abnormal results, helping you take control of your health.

Read the full story here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/from-routine-health-screen-life-saving-surgery-my-prostate-mansour-mo96c/

13/10/2025

Breast Changes? Don’t wait. Get Checked, fast.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month – a timely reminder to do regular self-checks, as early detection is vital. If you’ve noticed something unusual – like a lump, swelling, or skin changes – and can’t get a same-day appointment at your usual clinic, we’re here to help.

You can speak to one of our online doctors, and if you’ve taken photos beforehand, that can really help. They’ll assess your symptoms, provide support, and recommend in-person follow up if needed.

We encourage everyone to know what their breasts normally look and feel like, and to understand what common changes to watch out for. Breast Cancer NZ recommends checking your breasts once every year.

If you have any concerns or want to learn more about breast health, don't hesitate to book an appointment with us. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Click here for more information from the experts: https://www.breastcancerfoundation.org.nz/

To book an appointment click here: https://m-the-doctors-online.indicipms.nz/

09/10/2025

October is Health Literacy Month – a great time to remind ourselves how important it is to understand and use health information to make the best decisions for our well-being.

Understanding your health shouldn’t be confusing. If you don’t understand something, please don’t hesitate to ask for clarity – we want to empower your health journey at all stages of life.

Improving your health literacy leads to better health.

Healthify is a great place to start: https://healthify.nz/

08/10/2025

⏰ After-Hours Care ⏰

We’ve partnered with Ka Ora Telecare to make sure you can still get urgent medical support when our practice is closed.

📞 If you need after-hours care or medical advice, just call us on 09 407 7777 and follow the instructions. You’ll be connected to our after-hours service, where experienced clinicians can:
✔️ Give medical advice over the phone
✔️ Arrange a virtual or phone consultation with a Telehealth Doctor
✔️ Direct you to Bay of Islands Hospital if in-person care is needed

🚨 For emergencies, always dial 111.

06/10/2025

💙 FREE Health Improvement Services 💙

Did you know we have two dedicated team members here to support your health and wellbeing — and their services are completely free for enrolled patients? 🙌

👩‍⚕️ Noeleen – Health Improvement Practitioner (pictured left)
Noeleen works with people of all ages (and their whānau) on a wide range of health and wellbeing needs. She can help with:
✨ Improving mood & supporting mental health
✨ Managing chronic conditions
✨ Making lifestyle changes — healthy eating, better sleep, more activity
✨ Coping with grief, stress, or loneliness
✨ Reducing harm from alcohol or drug use

👩‍⚕️ Frances – Health Coach (pictured right)
Frances helps patients build the knowledge, skills, and confidence to manage their own health. She can also connect you and your whānau with local and online resources to support your social, emotional, and physical wellbeing.

✅ Appointments with Noeleen and Frances are free for enrolled patients and you don’t need a referral. Just ask your Nurse or GP, or chat with our friendly Reception team to book.

05/10/2025

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week. Over 25% of Kiwis experience poor mental wellbeing. If you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, it’s important to seek professional support. Health Improvement Practitioners and Health Coaches are available for a consult at many of our medical centres – and it’s free to see them! https://www.thedoctors.co.nz/services/mental-health

01/10/2025

Two new GPs will be joining us soon! 🎉

Dr David Charchoglyan and Dr Fabyann Sonagara will arrive from the UK and begin seeing patients from 12 January 2026.

01/10/2025

How healthy is your heart? Find out in just 5 minutes with the Heart Foundation’s free online tool. https://www.heartfoundation.org.nz/your-heart/my-heart-check Book an appointment with your regular GP if you have any concerns.

01/10/2025

⚠️ Measles cases confirmed in Northland ⚠️

Health New Zealand has identified four cases of measles in Northland — one confirmed and three historical. Measles is highly contagious, so there’s a possibility of undetected transmission in the Bay of Islands community since early September.

👉 Monitor for symptoms:

High fever (over 38°C), cough, runny nose, sore red eyes

Rash starting on the face, spreading down the body

If you or your whānau develop symptoms, stay home and call us first on 09 407 7777. Please let us know you have measles symptoms so we can take steps to keep others safe.

👉 Check your protection
The best defence against measles in NZ is the MMR vaccine (two doses after 12 months of age). The vaccine is free for anyone under 18 and for people eligible for free healthcare.

If you’re not sure about your vaccination status, please call us on 09 407 7777 to discuss your eligibility with one of our nurses.

More info on measles is available be: https://info.health.nz/conditions-treatments/infectious-diseases/about-measles/measles-immunity

30/09/2025

🏠 Moving soon? You may not need to change healthcare providers! With over 65 medical centres nationwide, we can help you transfer to one of our other practices.

Speak to our team before you go to find out more.

View our full list of medical centres here: https://thedoctors.co.nz/

29/09/2025

80% of all new cancers are skin cancer in NZ. As we head into warmer months the best skin protection is a SPF50 sunscreen and covering up. If you have skin concerns, chat to our GP team. We’ll let you know if you need further assessment. https://thedoctors.co.nz/services/skin-checks-and-skin-cancer

25/09/2025

The Doctors Whakatipu has recently launched a mobile health check-up service for a week each month, offering free and easy access for basic health support to the Queenstown community.

It's a great opportunity to drop in - no appointment needed - and get a health check-up with our paramedic Dean Brown.

These visits rotate between locations (currently Luggate and Glenorch), so keep an eye out on The Doctors Whakatipu page for upcoming dates!

24/09/2025

Prostate checks are a simple way to look after long-term health, sexual function, and quality of life.

💠 When to start the conversation?
- If you’re 50+ (and have a prostate), have a chat with your GP about screening.
- If you have a family history (dad/brother diagnosed before 65) or you’re Māori or Pacific, talk to your GP earlier — from 40–45.
- Screening isn’t usually recommended over 70, but your GP can advise based on your health.
- Noticed changes (peeing more often, pain, blood, etc.)? Don’t wait — book in.

💠 What to expect?
- Most people start with a PSA blood test. A higher result doesn’t always mean cancer, but it may mean further checks.
- Depending on results, your GP might suggest a digital re**al exam, repeat PSA, or a specialist referral.
- We’ll talk you through the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision.

Learn more:

Men should be proactive in taking responsibility for their health & wellbeing, and getting tested regularly. More options are available if prostate cancer is detected before it causes symptoms (not common in the early stages). Not all doctors are proactive in promoting prostate cancer testing so men...

23/09/2025

Regular cervical screening picks up early HPV changes and can prevent most cervical cancers.

▪ Who’s it for?
If you’re 25–69 and have a cervix, you’re due every 5 years — even if you’ve had the HPV vaccine. First timer? Book your first test at 25.
If you have unusual bleeding, pain, or discharge, please see your GP now — don’t wait.

▪ How it works
You can do a quick vaginal swab yourself in a private space at our clinic. Many people find it faster and more comfortable than a smear. It checks for HPV, and results go straight to your GP. If HPV is found, we’ll guide you through the next steps.

To book a smear, please call us.

Learn more:

Cervical screening every 5 years is the best way to prevent cervical cancer. Find out how to get cervical screening.

18/09/2025

There are a variety of contraception or birth control methods that prevent pregnancy, each with pros and cons. 👍👎

If you're considering contraception, your chosen method will come down to personal preference, and how your body feels. Here we compare some of the most common contraceptive options available. 💊

We recommend talking through the available options with a GP or Nurse Practitioner. If one method is giving you negative side effects impacting your life, please come back and see us, so that we can look at another option for you.

Some contraceptives may also be subsidised - ask your GP or NP to find out more.

To book an appointment, please use The Doctors App or call us.

16/09/2025

A reminder that we offer confidential, supportive sexual & reproductive healthcare.

We can help with:
- Contraception (pills, IUDs, implants, emergency contraception)
- Pregnancy testing & options counselling
- STI & HIV testing/treatment (incl. access to PrEP)
- Cervical screening — self-test swab or clinician smear
- HPV vaccination (ages 9–26)
- Prostate checks
- Support for sexual concerns
- Reproductive health care: preconception, fertility, menopause

To book an appointment, please use The Doctors App or call us.

14/09/2025

👋 A very warm welcome Dr Lily Cane who joined us in August!

A proud Northlander, Dr Lily has returned home to support the community she grew up in. With a background in paediatrics at Whangārei, she brings valuable experience and a strong commitment to family and community health.

Outside of work, Lily enjoys spending time outdoors and on the water. 🌊