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Updates and news for May 22

posted in: General News

Kia ora koutou 

There's a lot to mention in this May 2022 newsletter, here's a summary, followed by the details.

  1. Flu vaccines
  2. Clinic updates & staff changes
  3. Appointment times & reception renovations
  4. Celebration Day and team gathering

 

1. Flu Vaccines at Ostend Medical

Flu vaccines are still available at Ostend Medical Centre this week. You can book on line via our portal or call in and book with reception.

We are offering appointments Monday-Friday. The NZ Govnt has issued a list of those people who may be eligible for a free flu vaccine.  If you are in any of the groups listed below, you should qualify, otherwise the charge will be $35 per person.

  • 65 years of age and over;
  • 55 to 64 years (inclusive) who are Māori or any Pacific ethnicity;
  • under 65 years who have one of the qualifying long term conditions e.g.: coronary heart disease, asthma, diabetes, cancer (excluding non invasive) or who are immuno suppressed.

For full details, please consult the following NZ Govnt website (Pharmac)


To book an appointment

Phone Us Call us on 093725005
Email Us Go to contact form to email our reception
Book via App Login to MyIndici

 

2. Clinic updates & staff changes

Dr Zoe Douglass
Dr Zoe Douglass

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
Stephanie Cox

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 Hodgson
Linda Hodson

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.

Rob Kay
Dr Rob Kay

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.

Elaine Smart and Kirsten Sloan
Elaine Smart and Kirsten Sloan
Anna O'Connor OMC
Anna O'Connor OMC
Alison Redhead
Alison Redhead

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?

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 !

4. Celebration Day & team gathering

International Nurses Day, and International Doctors' Day are both celebrated in May and observed around the world annually to mark the contributions that nurses and doctors make to society.

National NZ Receptionists' Day is also celebrated in May, and so OMC  decided to combine these celebrations along with a team gathering at Red Crab last week.  We would like to acknowledge and thank our wonderful nurses, doctors, reception team and all staff and trustees, for all the amazing work they do, especially in the last few years of very challenging times.