Join us for In Focus – The Unseen Journey of Compassion, Commitment and Care

Without the support of the Waiheke Health Trust, Jonny, Christine and Mel Stevens would not be able to stay together as a whānau in their Waiheke Island home.  Christine lives with a degenerative illness, dystonia, while their adult daughter Mel has autism and a hereditary eye condition which impacts her sight as well as her father Jonny’s.

Jonny, Christine and Mel’s story, along with many others, has been captured in a powerful new photographic exhibition called, In Focus – The Unseen Journey of Compassion, Commitment and Care, launching at the island’s Mataira Gallery on 8 May and running until 1 June.  The exhibition featuring impactful imagery and personal kōrero/stories from patients and staff receiving and delivering care on the island, is a partnership between Waiheke Health Trust, internationally acclaimed local photographer Rachel Mataira, and communications agency NSPR.

“I truly love them (Waiheke Health Trust staff) because, they have enabled us to live as a whānau, in our own home, on Waiheke,” Jonny Stevens shares. “They care for all of us – they are an essential part of our whānau.”

The exhibition is free and open to the public from 9:30am-3pm, Thursday to Sunday, through 1 June.  Please join us for this rare look into Waiheke Health Trust’s healthcare and support services for our island community – on now at Mataira Gallery, 16 Hamilton Road in Surfdale. 

Following on from ‘Dying Well’

At our recent ‘Dying Well’ event we distributed almost 100 Advanced Care Plan booklets.  If you haven’t filled yours in yet and need a little support and motivation, Ostend Medical Centre is hosting a group for people interested in starting the Advanced Care Plan process together.  The group will be facilitated by Waiheke Health Trust Social Worker Rozanne Gold and is limited to 20 participants. 

No doubt about it, thinking about dying is very difficult. It’s not something many of us contemplate at any length. Nonetheless death is inevitable and is going to happen to us all. Advanced care planning gives everyone, including you, a chance to think about what’s important.  It helps you understand what the future may hold and to say what health care you would or would not want.  Advanced care planning helps you, the important people in your life and your healthcare team plan for your end-of-life care. 

If interested, you can join Rozanne on Tuesday 27 May from 2-3pm in the St John Hall.  To register, contact Rozanne on 027 578 0572 or email her on
rozanne.gold@waihekehealthtrust.nz 

Men’s Health Evening –
A Conversation that Matters

On 25 June, please plan to join us for an evening focused on the health and wellbeing of the men in our community.  Three experienced GPs will lead a panel discussion covering the issues that often go unspoken but affect many.

This evening discussion promises to be a safe, supportive space to hear expert insights and practical advice on both physical and mental health. Whether you’re seeking answers, looking out for a mate, or just curious—this night is for you.

Topics We’ll Cover:

• Erectile dysfunction –talking about it is the first step to taking action
• Prostate health – what every man should know
• Anxiety and depression – recognising the signs and seeking support
• Cardiovascular disease – why it’s more relevant than ever
• Healthy living – realistic strategies for feeling your best
• ‘Mateship’ and mental health – how to check in and show up for those around you

Why It Matters:

Erectile dysfunction can sometimes be an early warning sign of deeper health issues. Mental health challenges are more common than many realise. This evening is about breaking down stigma, sharing knowledge, and empowering men to take charge of their wellbeing.

When & Where

• Date: Wednesday 25th June 2025
• Time: 7:00 – 8:30 PM
• Venue: RSA, Belgium Street, Ostend

Meet the Panel: 

• Dr Alister Somerville – GP and Men’s Health Specialist;
• Dr Mark Craig – GP and Lifestyle Medicine Specialist;
• Dr Orna McGinn – GP, Ostend Medical Centre

Community-Focused Healthcare from Ostend Medical and Waiheke Health Trust

With everything happening at Ostend Medical and Waiheke Health Trust, it can be hard to keep track of all the ways we provide healthcare to our community.  Don’t forget that the following are available for you and your loved ones:

• Flu vaccines:  Even if you missed our April flu clinic, it’s not too late to come in and get protected for this year’s flu season!  A yearly flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over 6 months old and is free if you are aged 65 and over, if you are pregnant, and for lots of other people.  For everyone else, Ostend Medical is providing flu vaccines for just $35, the same price as last year, to encourage our patients to protect themselves and our community.  Each year the flu vaccine is updated to make it as protective as possible so don’t delay – call 372 5005 to book your quick and easy appointment.
   
• Toenail care for seniors:  Older community members who are struggling to manage their toenail care can book in with our Health Care Assistant for toenail cutting, a basic foot check and a ‘heavenly’ foot rub.  20-minute appointments are available on Wednesday mornings at Waiheke Health Trust at a cost of just $30.  Call us on 372 8893 to book into ‘Ani’s Foot Spa’!
   
• Early morning appointments:  Ostend Medical makes it easy for you to see the doctor before work or school, with appointments on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 7 or 7:30am depending on the day.  In-person and virtual appointments are available with Dr Zoe Douglass, Dr Orna McGinn and Nurse Practitioner Erica Wright so give our reception team a call if you’d like to take care of your health AND still make the 8am ferry!