2. Clinic updates & staff changes
Dr Zoe Douglass - We are pleased to announce the return of Dr Zoe Douglass who has been on a sabbatical.
Dr Zoe returns to OMC initially with afternoon virtual consultations for the next three months - and then in person with face to face clinical appointments from 1st October 2022.
Stephanie Cox, the new Waiheke Health Trust Occupational Therapist, is running a Long Covid Recovery clinic for patient who were Covid positive and are having persisting symptoms.
If you think you might be affected by Long Covid - you can get in touch with Stephanie through the Waiheke Health Trust (who manage her appointments). In the first instance, please email WHT on [email protected] and ask for an appointment with Stephanie.
Linda Hodson: Our Practice Nurse, Linda is running a specialist Women’s Health Clinic every Tuesday 5.30 – 7.30.
Women can book an appointment via phone, email or via the app - and come for a smear test and talk about any women’s health concerns.
Dr Rob Kay has a long-standing interest in dermatology, and in particular the diagnosis and management of skin cancer.
He offers specialist skin clinic appointments every Thursday at Ostend Medical. These are not funded and must be paid for privately. Initial assessment consultation is 20 minutes and minor surgery appointments are available if required.
We would also like to introduce Waiheke Health Trust Well Child nurses Elaine Smart and Kirsten Sloan (pictured).
And another 'Hello and Welcome' to Anna O'Connor, the new Ostend Medical Centre Health Care Assistant (HCA) who will be helping nurses and the OMC clinical team.
Alison Redhead, our OMC Practice Manager is currently on leave, returning on 13th June. In her absence, our wonderful Courtney and the other admin team members are available.
Meanwhile, we say 'hello and welcome', to our new receptionist Rebecca Tomczyk - and 'thank you and farewell' to receptionist Denise Layzell who has resigned but is still going to be providing cover duties.
3. Appointment times and reception renovations
Covid swabbing has slowed down and general Covid related medical concerns have decreased significantly - which is great news.
However, like many organisations, we have been facing staffing level challenges due to covid / sick leave.
For this and other reasons, we are experiencing longer than usual waiting times for appointments. We apologise for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience during these difficult times.
We also would like to thank all OMC patients for their understanding and patience while we continue our reception renovations, which have taken longer than expected, but that we expect to be completed very soon.
Have You Tried Our New Patient Portal?
Ostend Medical has a new & much improved patient portal called MyIndici.
If you are not already signed-up, please take a moment to do so, it is quick and easy. The first time you access the MyIndici portal - you may need to call us (093725005) so that we can provide you with a temporary password. Once you have logged in you can set your own password.
MyIndici patient portal will allow you to do a lot:
- 24/7 access to make and change appointments; request repeat medication; and view test results;
- Access your patient records and medical notes for consultations that take place after 1st November 2021;
- Send and receive secure messages directly to the OMC practice doctors and nurses;
- View and pay invoices - and much more !