The Doctors Richmond

07/03/2026

12-month scripts

From Feb 2026, repeat prescriptions are available longer periods (up to 12 months) for long-term medications when your condition is stable, and no medication alterations are needed. The decision to approve or decline a medication lies with the prescriber. A consultation is required for this to ensure your condition and treatment is appropriate.

06/03/2026

ADHD assessment

You may be aware that some vocationally trained GPs can now provide adult ADHD diagnosis and prescriptions.

At this stage, our practice is unable to provide this service.

We understand this may be disappointing, and we sincerely appreciate your understanding as we continue to focus on delivering essential primary care services to our community. You are still welcome to discuss any ADHD questions with your GP or to explore referral options to another suitable provider.

05/03/2026

Blood tests

A reminder that we are only able to request blood tests prior to a consultation at the request of the GP or for annual diabetic reviews. If the GP feels you need a blood test, this will be determined during the consultation. If test results are normal or are what we are expecting, we will not contact you. If you would still like to discuss results, please call us📞 to make an appointment.

04/03/2026

Coming soon: Women's Health Clinic

Claudia Huggins (NP) and Dr Jill Moore will shortly be offering dedicated women’s health clinics, providing focused time and expertise to support women at every stage of life.

These clinics will offer appointments for concerns such as contraception and IUD insertions, perimenopause and menopause, menstrual concerns, preconception advice, and more.

More details about clinic times and booking information will be shared soon.

03/03/2026

Fees and Pay it Forward Fund

Please contact us if you are unable to afford your healthcare. We appreciate that some patients may have difficulty paying their invoices and we can assist with WINZ redirection payments and setting up automatic payments. We may also be able to assist by using our Pay it Forward Fund. Please ask at reception if you would like to contribute to the fund.

02/03/2026

Meet the team - Dr Tom Currie

Introducing (and reintroducing) our wonderful team members so you can get to know the friendly faces behind your care!

Dr Tom Currie is our Lead GP and a mentor for trainee GPs. He completed his medical degree at the University of Otago before gaining broad clinical experience across a range of specialties at Christchurch Hospital. He later moved into general practice, completing his GP specialty training while living and working in Hawke’s Bay.

Family ties have since brought Tom and his family back to the Nelson region, where they’re excited to begin their next chapter.

Tom enjoys the diversity that general practice offers and values building long-term relationships within the local community. He also provides monthly skin checks at our practice.

Outside of medicine, Tom loves spending time with his young family and staying active through sport.

28/02/2026

🆓Free support for managing stress

Our Health Improvement Practitioner, Meg, can support you with practical strategies to manage stress and make positive lifestyle changes.

She can work alongside you to help identify what’s contributing to your stress and find realistic ways to get on top of it.

Meg also offers support for managing:

Anxiety
Low mood
Sleep difficulties
Grief
Alcohol and smoking
Chronic health conditions
Perimenopause and menopause.

Appointments are 20–30 minutes, free of charge, and often available on the same day. To book with Meg, speak to your GP, or ask at Reception. No referral needed.

Learn about how Health Improvement Practitioners and Health Coaches work closely with GPs and health professionals at The Doctors Medical Centres.

27/02/2026

Can stress cause a heart attack?

Stress on its own does not directly cause a heart attack. However, the way people respond to ongoing stress can increase their risk. Habits such as drinking too much alcohol, smoking, eating poorly, or being less physically active can all raise the likelihood of heart disease and heart attack over time.

Stress can also play a role in other heart conditions. In rare cases, severe or sudden emotional stress may trigger conditions such as takotsubo cardiomyopathy (often called “broken heart syndrome”) or spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD). While uncommon, these conditions highlight the powerful effect stress can have on the heart.

26/02/2026

Free maternity appointments

We’re pleased to offer pregnant patients one free nurse appointment during their third trimester.

If you are pregnant, this is a great opportunity to get support as you prepare for the next stage of your journey into motherhood. To book, please call reception — we’d love to see you!

25/02/2026

Skin checks and minor surgery

We're excited to share that Dr Asanga Nanayakkara will be returning to the practice to join Dr Mark Hatfull in providing skin checks and minor surgery. Dr Tom Currie will continue to offer skin checks

Please call 📞for more information or to make an appointment.

24/02/2026

Looking after yourself during times of stress

There are practical steps you can take to help manage stress and support your wellbeing:

*Talk about how you’re feeling with friends, whānau, or a health professional
*Stay physically active - even a short daily walk can help
*Make time for activities you enjoy and find relaxing
*Try stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or meditation
*Prioritise sleep and aim for a regular sleep routine
*Eat well, including plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables

If stress is affecting your daily life, or you’re concerned it may be contributing to anxiety or low mood, talk to your GP or other health professional.

23/02/2026

Does stress increase your risk of heart disease?

Short-term stress triggers the release of adrenaline, causing temporary increases in heart rate and blood pressure. Once the stress passes, these changes usually return to normal and do not cause lasting harm.

When stress becomes ongoing, however, it can contribute to long-term health issues. Chronic stress leads to sustained elevation of cortisol, increasing inflammation in the body and potentially damaging blood vessels over time. It can also encourage habits such as reduced physical activity, increased alcohol intake, poorer sleep, and less healthy eating. Together, these factors can contribute to long-term high blood pressure (hypertension), which significantly increases the risk of heart disease.

If you are concerned or would like more information, contact reception to book an appointment with your GP.