Kia ora
Welcome to the Ostend Medical October Newsletter
New Cervical Screening Test
Did you know that of the 180 people who get cervical cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand every year, 85% have either never been screened or have not had regular screening?
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers and regular cervical screening is one of the best ways to protect yourself. Luckily, the screening process has just become easier, less expensive and more private.
In September, Ostend Medical Centre began offering the self-swab for the HPV virus. We also continue to offer cervical smears for those people who need that option, and can help you understand which is the right test for you.
If the self-swab is recommended, you can come into the medical centre for a verbal consultation with one of our nurses and then do the swab on your own. This screening is free for women and people with acervix who are Māori or Pacific, are 30 years and over who are under-screened (have not had a test in the past 5 years or never had a test), require follow-up testing, or hold a Community Services Card.
For everyone else, the cost is just $22 for the nurse consultation and self swab test. If you’re due, give us a call to book in for your self-swab today on 09 372 5005, or be in touch to find out which test is right for you.
Book an Appointment
My Indici Version 2 Is Here!
Ear Suctioning Available
Thanks to the Rotary Club of Waiheke Island, we are now offering ear suctioning for those who need earwax removal. Here’s how it works:
- If you think that your hearing is being impacted by ear wax, you can book in for an ear check with one of our nurses at a cost of $10. During this consult, our nurses will check to see whether or not ear wax is the issue.
- If you have a build up of ear wax, you will be booked in for an ear suction appointment and given instructions on what you need to do to prepare.
- Your ear suction appointment will be booked with one of our friendly nurses at a cost of just $45 for our enrolled patients for the months of October and November. From December, the price is $55 for OMC patients.
We wouldn’t be able to offer this wonderful new service without the support of the Rotary Club of Waiheke Island who helped us to purchase the equipment and provide a full day of training to our fantastic nurses Corrine, Pete and Rachel. Thank you, Rotary!
Good-bye to Dr. Titchener
Dr Janet Titchener will be finishing at Ostend Medical Centre on December 1st. The Trustees and staff of the Waiheke Health Trust and Ostend Medical Centre thank Janet for the care that she has shown our patient community and wish her the very best for her next professional chapter.
Our Practice Manager Candice has been working hard to make sure that we are fully staffed over the upcoming busy summer season, and we’re grateful that due to her efforts we have strong GP coverage for the next six months while we complete a more permanent recruitment process.
Our medical team will include Dr Zoe Douglass (left) who will be with us on the island from late December to early March, along with our Nurse Practitioner Erica Wright.
We are also bringing in visiting doctors from December onwards, to ensure we have more appointments available this summer, while reducing waiting times.
We will keep you up to date with our recruitment efforts, but if you have any questions or concerns, please be in touch by reply.
Book an Appointment
Exciting News! Together Threads Community Group is thriving!
Thanks to our initial group members, our gatherings have been a success. The stories, connections, and shared moments have been truly heart warming.
Based on positive feedback, we are thrilled to announce that Together Threads will be carrying on and now running fortnightly, starting October 25th, every other Wednesday at 10am in the St John Hall.
Join us for a cozy time of coffee, tea, and connection. This is an open, welcoming space where we share stories, foster friendships, and strengthen our sense of community.
Lets continue this beautiful journey together! New members are welcome at any time and we can’t wait to see you there.
Where: At the hall of the St John Ambulance building, 5 Belgium Street, Ostend, Waiheke (next to the Waiheke Health Trust). Google map
When: Every other Wednesday from 10 – 11am
Who: Rozanne or Stephanie on 09 372 5005 if you have any questions
After Hours
ALWAYS CALL 111 FOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
We are open Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm except public holidays. If you need to speak with a nurse or doctor outside of these times, phone: 09 372 3111 for the after hours service.
Our tikanga – core principles
kaitiakitanga | whanaungatanga | manaakitanga | pukengatanga | kotahitanga