Eastern Bay Primary Health Alliance

12/11/2025

Building the future of health

30/10/2025

30/10/2025

“I did it for my daughter.”

After hearing her Hāpainga stop smoking kaiārahi share her own quit journey, young mum Sariah Tuanau realised change was possible — and she’s never looked back.

“Before I quit, I felt stuck and tired all the time. Now I have more energy, I’m more present with my daughter, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come. I wanted to be a healthy example for her — and I’ve done it.” 💛

If you’re thinking about quitting, take it one day at a time. You’re stronger than you think — and Hapainga Stop Smoking Service is here to help.

Call us today for free, friendly support on your quit smoking journey 0800427246

28/10/2025

Community Hauora Event in Opotiki - Tomorrow!

In association with NPHS, Plunket, EBPHA, Whakatohea and Opotiki GP Practices, we are hosting an immunisation drop-in day at Plunket Ōpōtiki, 26 Elliot St, Thursday 30th October 9am – 3pm.

If enough of our whānau are fully immunised, we can prevent nasty diseases like Measles or Whooping Cough from ever returning. For whanau with patai, questions or concerns, Nurses and immunisers will be available to chat. Everyone is welcome.

22/10/2025

Health worker strikes are planned for 23 October - 7am, 24 October. Please help keep emergency departments for emergencies only.

Find the right care for you and your family:
👨🏽‍⚕️ Your usual GP or nurse - Many offer same-day appointments for urgent issues
👩🏽‍⚕️ Pharmacy - Great for coughs, colds, minor infections, emergency contraception, immunisations and more
📱 Self-care advice - Visit info.health.nz for trusted tips on managing symptoms at home
☎️ Healthline - Free 24/7 advice from qualified nurses and paramedics: 0800 611 116
🏥 After-hours or urgent care clinic - For non-life-threatening issues like cuts, sprains or minor injuries
☎️ Ka Ora - Rural Telecare - After-hours help from a doctor or nurse: 0800 252 672
📱 Need to talk? Call or text 1737 any time, for free mental health support and advice from trained counsellors
🚑 Emergency? Call 111 - For chest pain, breathing problems, choking, unconsciousness, severe bleeding, severe allergy/anaphylaxis, severe burns, or severe pain
👉🏽 Find the right healthcare: https://info.health.nz/services-support/find-the-right-healthcare-for-you-and-your-whanau
👉🏽 Strike info: https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/for-health-professionals/employment-relations/industrial-action

22/10/2025

22/10/2025

🚨 Community Health Alert: Measles Cases Confirmed in Auckland, Manawatū, and Nelson 🚨

We're facing an escalating risk of measles outbreaks across the motu (country). It is vital that we are all vigilant, especially those in or who have recently travelled to these regions.

If you or your whānau feel unwell, please look out for these key measles symptoms:
High fever (over 38 degrees)
Cough, runny nose, and sore red eyes
A rash that starts on the face and spreads down the body

If you suspect measles:
1. Stay home.
2. Phone ahead to your doctor or health provider before visiting so they can take precautions to protect others.
3. You can also call Healthline for free anytime on 0800 611 116.

Protect Yourself and Your Whānau

The MMR vaccine is the best way to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella. Two doses of the MMR vaccine (after 12 months of age) protects 99% people.
The MMR vaccine is safe and free for anyone aged under 18, and for those eligible for free healthcare.

You can book an appointment with your GP, pharmacy, nurse, or Hauora Māori or Pacific health provider.

02/10/2025

Our next Te Maramatanga session is Mirimiri tō pēpi facilitated by Lainie Asher.

Dm our socials with full-name and contact number to register interest please. 🤍🤍🤍

02/10/2025

With measles cases confirmed in Aotearoa New Zealand, it’s important we all stay alert. Symptoms include: high fever, cough, runny nose, sore red eyes, and followed by a rash.

📍 Locations of interest in Northland/Te Tai Tokerau, Queenstown, and Cromwell are listed here: http://spr.ly/6181A9Al9. Please check if you or your whānau may have been exposed.

🤒 If you or your whānau feel unwell, stay home, and call your GP/hauora provider or Healthline 0800 611 116 for free advice.

✅ Anyone who hasn’t had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine (including tamariki/children) should get immunised. This is the best protection.

🛡️ Protect your whānau and your whakapapa. If you're not sure if you had two MMR doses, your GP or hauora provider can help you check.

More info: http://spr.ly/6183A9Alcl

30/09/2025

We want to let you know about some changes to our local Ōpōtiki After-hours clinic that will help keep this important service running for our community.

There will now be a co-payment fee for most visits to the Pou Ora clinic. Consultation fees will be:

• Children aged 13 and under: All visits are still free.
• Ages 14 and over CSC or non CSC: A standard consultation fee of $20.00
• ACC-related visits (14 and over): A fee of $19.50
• Any of: Limited visa holders, Overseas visitors or those not eligible for funded healthcare in NZ: A fee of $100

Remember:
• Always call your own family doctor first.
• The clinic is here to help with urgent medical needs when your regular doctor is closed.

The clinic's hours are:
• Monday - Friday: 5:00pm - 9:00pm
• Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: 10:00am 6:00pm
If the clinic is closed and it's a life-threatening emergency, call 111 or go to Whakatāne Hospital.

We understand this is a big change, but it is necessary to ensure we have a local after-hours service available for everyone in our community.

19/09/2025

SYPHILIS AIN'T IT - If you're having s*x, get tested.

Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by a bacterium (bug) called Treponema pallidum. It can be passed through oral, vaginal or a**l s*xual contact. It can be passed through breaks in the skin or from touching a sore on a person who has syphilis. Syphilis is very infectious and is usually caught by having close s*xual contact with an infected person.

Most people with syphilis don’t show any symptoms, but they may also experience a range of symptoms that may present as other diseases. Syphilis can cause a painless ulcer on your ge****ls (or around the mouth with oral s*x). The ulcer usually heals up and disappears after a few weeks. Other symptoms, such as a skin rash and sore throat, develop and then these also disappear a few weeks later. After that, there are usually no symptoms.

The only way to know if you have syphilis is to get a blood test. If you're having s*x, we encourage you to get tested regularly.

The closest clinic is: Whakatāne Sexual Health Clinic
Address: Whakatāne Hospital, Out Patients Department, Stewart Street, Whakatane 3120
Opening Hours: Monday: 1pm - 3:30pm
Wednesday: 12:30pm - 4pm
Thursday: 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Friday: 9am - 3pm
Phone: 0800 7233 5683 (0800 SAFELOVE)

18/09/2025

Each September, people across the globe unite to raise awareness and challenge the stigma that persists around Alzheimer’s disease and all types of dementia.

This year’s campaign encourages open conversations through and helping to change perceptions, normalise asking questions, and build greater understanding.

Dementia impacts over 55 million people worldwide, along with their families and carers. By taking part, we can all play a role in creating a more supportive and informed community.

Join the movement this September:
* Learn more about dementia
* Ask questions
* Share resources and stories
* Help spread awareness

Together, we can make a difference. 💜