The Doctors NZ

22/12/2025

Meet the team - Get to know the friendly faces behind your care!

Dr Ivan Gannaway

Dr Ivan graduated from the Auckland School of Medicine in 1989. He then worked in the training schemes for Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, and Emergency Medicine.

Ivan has undertaken Specialist General Practitioner training and became a Fellow of RNZCGP in 2014.

Outside of work, Ivan enjoys family time, reading, and music. 🎼

19/12/2025

Summer Skin Care🔅

Looking after your skin now can significantly reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.

*Use sunscreen every day (SPF 30+ or higher) on exposed skin, and reapply every 2 hours when outdoors.
* Cover up with clothing, including long sleeves, a broad-brimmed hat, and UV-protective sunglasses.
*Seek shade, especially between 10am and 4pm when the sun’s rays are strongest.
*Avoid tanning beds and intentional tanning, as they increase skin damage and cancer risk.
*Check your skin every 3 months for new or changing spots, moles, or patches that look different from the rest.
See your GP or a skin specialist if you notice changes or anything unusual.

17/12/2025

Melanomas - what to look out for

A Melanoma often starts as a new spot on your skin, but an existing mole can turn into melanoma too.

Common signs to look out for include:

*New moles or growths on the skin
*Changes in size, shape, or colour of existing moles
*Moles that are asymmetrical or have irregular borders
*Variations in colour within a mole
*A mole or spot that looks different from others on your body

SCAN is an easy way to remember the key things to watch for on your skin.
Source: skincancercollege.org

If you notice one or more of the above changes on your skin, book an appointment with your GP or NP.

Your practitioner will look at the area(s) of concern and advise what the next steps are. It’s important you share any relevant history about your skin, including any family history of skin cancer.

Depending on diagnosis, your practitioner may book you for a mole removal or refer you to a specialist service for further assessment, biopsy or removal. Melanoma has many different sizes, shapes and colours. Any change on your skin should be checked by a doctor. If caught and treated early, melanoma is almost always curable.

15/12/2025

The Holidays are almost here!

Please plan ahead for repeat prescriptions and routine appointments, as demand often increases at this time of year!

Holiday hours🎅🕎:

Wednesday, 24 December 2025: Open until 3pm
Thursday, 25 December 2025 to Sunday, 4 January 2026: Closed
Monday, 5 January 2026: Normal hours resume

Repeat prescriptions💊:

Please submit all repeat medication requests by 2pm, Friday 19 December to ensure they’re processed before the holiday break. And remember to let us know which pharmacy you'd like us to send your script to.

Need care while we’re closed?

We recommend The Doctors Online (open 8am-5pm Mon-Fri, except public holidays) for non-acute needs — see FAQs for suitability and fees.

For urgent / after hours care, please visit your nearest after-hours facility. For general health advice, call 📞Healthline on 0800 611 116. In an emergency, call 📞111.

13/12/2025

Specialist skin cancer services

Dr Ingemar Charslund is a specialist in skin surgery and is available on Thursdays to perform skin checks, as well as minor mole and skin cancer excisions here at the clinic.

All our GPs are trained in skin cancer detection and management. They can perform skin checks, provide treatment where appropriate, and some also offer minor surgery for skin lesions. If needed, they can refer you on for specialist care.

12/12/2025

Spotting and preventing skin cancer

New Zealand has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world, with overexposure to UV radiation from the sun being the main cause.
There are three main types of skin cancer:

1. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. It often appears as a pink patch or bump that may bleed or feel itchy. BCCs usually stay in one place and don’t spread around the body, but they can be more concerning on the face because of the delicate structures and the risk of scarring.

2. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a more serious type of skin cancer because it can sometimes spread to nearby lymph glands. SCCs often develop from long-term sun damage or from “sunspots.” They usually look scaly or crusty and may be tender or sore to touch.

3. Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, as it can spread through the bloodstream to other parts of the body. Melanomas can appear anywhere on the body, even in areas that don’t get much sun. They can be flat or raised, grow quickly or slowly, and although often dark, they can sometimes be pink or lighter in colour.

Skin checks are a standard service offered by all our medical centres. If you or a family member are experiencing skin conditions that worry you, please book...

10/12/2025

As we head into the warmer months, it’s important to enjoy the sun and surf safely. Protect your skin, stay hydrated, and make the most of our beautiful beaches safely!

10/12/2025

Improving access to care - Nurse clinical rooms

Our nursing team now has two dedicated clinical rooms, helping us see more patients each day and reduce wait times for nurse consults.

Same-day care👩‍⚕️

We’ve introduced a same-day triage list, allowing our nurses to assess your needs and book you in promptly when acute care is required.

This may be with our Nurse Prescriber or Nurse Practitioner who is available for same day face-to-face or 📞telephone consults, offering fast effective care. Or with our new doctor, Dr Pete Adlam, who is starting with us in January 2026.

Our aim will be to have an acute care appointment clinic from March 2026 to provide timely care for same-day medical needs that cannot wait for a routine appointment. It will help ensure that our registered patients with urgent concerns are seen promptly, and reduce wait times for standard appointments.

09/12/2025

📢 Important Notice

The Doctors Red Beach team will be undertaking staff training on Thursday 11th December and we will be open at 9:00am.

⏰ If you need us, please give us a call after 9:00am.
🚨 If it’s an emergency, please call 111 right away.

Thanks for your patience and understanding.

The Doctors Red Beach

08/12/2025

On the move this Christmas and need a doctor? Get a same-day online consultation with Doctors Online from the comfort of your home or wherever you are on your summer break takes you (excludes weekends and public holidays). Book an appointment at https://www.thedoctorsonline.co.nz/

04/12/2025

Don’t let hayfever sniffles get in the way of your summer fun! Have a chat with us if you need support managing it. Find your nearest medical centre: https://www.thedoctors.co.nz/find-medical-centre

01/12/2025

Have you tried The Doctors App?

It’s an easy way for our registered patients to:

✅View lab test results

✅ Request repeat prescriptions

✅Book appointments

Available on your phone, tablet, or computer – making healthcare simple and easy!

Check participating practices and download it today: https://www.thedoctors.co.nz/the-doctors-app

27/11/2025

Please plan ahead for repeat prescriptions and routine appointments, as demand often increases at this time of year!

Holiday hours🎅🏾🕎:
Wednesday, 24 December - closing early at 3pm
Thursday, 25 December 2025 to Sunday, 4 January 2026 - closed
Monday, 5 January 2026 - normal hours resume

Repeat prescriptions:
Please submit all repeat medication requests by 2pm, Friday 19 December to ensure they’re processed before the holiday break. And remember to let us know which pharmacy you'd like us to send your script to.

Need care while we’re closed?
Please visit your nearest after-hours urgent care facility. Or call 📞Healthline on 0800 611 116 for general health advice. In an emergency, call 111.

26/11/2025

What is a Nurse Practitioner (NP)?

You might have seen a nurse practitioner at your local clinic – but what exactly do they do?

Nurse Practitioners are highly trained healthcare professionals who can:

✅ Diagnose and treat health conditions
✅ Prescribe medications
✅ Order and interpret tests
✅ Manage ongoing care for a wide range of health needs

They work closely alongside doctors, nurses and the wider healthcare team to provide expert patient centered care.

To find out more click here - https://www.thedoctors.co.nz/healthcare-team/nurse-practitioners

25/11/2025

Moving soon? Stay within the same network!

With 65 medical centres across New Zealand, there’s a good chance we’re already in your new neighborhood!

If you're relocating, speak to our team before you go — we can help you transfer your care to one of our other medical centres, making the move easier for you and your family.

📍 Find your nearest medical centre here: https://www.thedoctors.co.nz/find-medical-centre

20/11/2025

If you need to see a GP sooner than your regular clinic can offer, or you’d prefer the convenience of online GP services, we recommend The Doctors Online.
- Free online consults for children under 14 (with CSC)
- Adults from $33 (with CSC)

See FAQs for suitability and fees at https://www.thedoctorsonline.co.nz

17/11/2025

Measles symptoms usually develop 7 to 14 days after exposure. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, sore and watery pink eyes, followed by a blotchy rash.

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.

The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is now free for adults from 1 October 2025. Book your free MMR vaccine today with one of our medical centres!

12/11/2025

Are your vaccinations up to date?

As the flu and COVID-19 continue to circulate, it’s important to check that your vaccinations are up to date.

Vaccination remains a key defense in reducing severe illness and protecting our communities. Whether it's your annual flu shot or the latest COVID-19 booster, staying current helps keep you and those around safe.

For more information contact your local centre or visit the health NZ website for more: https://info.health.nz/immunisations/vaccines-aotearoa/covid-19-vaccines

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

10/11/2025

Sarah Richardson (Nurse Practitioner) joins us in November.
Sarah will be joining our practice on 17 November, returning to the sunny Hibiscus Coast after five years in Hawke’s Bay. Sarah will be in the practice 4 days a week.

She brings valuable experience from her work in respiratory and sleep services, remote clinics in Wairoa, and as a locum Nurse Practitioner on the mobile Health Bus serving the South Auckland community.

We look forward to properly introducing her once she's settled in.

09/11/2025

🎄 Holiday Prescription Reminder 🎄

💊 To make sure you have enough of your regular medications to last over the Christmas period, now is a good time to start thinking about any repeat prescriptions you may need.

To ensure you’re covered, please remember that repeat prescriptions must be ordered by 2pm on Friday, 19th December

If you need an urgent repeat prescription after this cut-off, please call us directly. Please note that an additional fee will apply for any scripts processed after this time.

📅 Holiday Hours
Closed: 3PM, Wednesday 24th December
Reopening: Monday, 5th January 2026

🚑 Need care while we’re closed?

📞 Healthline: 0800 611 116 (Free, 24/7)
🏥 Urgent Care:
• Silverdale Medical Centre
• Shore Care – Greville Rd
• Shore Care – Smales Farm

📟 In an emergency, call 111

💙 Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season!
— The Doctors Red Beach Team

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/