Newsletter – July/August 2026 – Winter Wellness

This is the peak time for cold and flu viruses to be doing the rounds. Preparation and knowledge can help you to cope better when those winter bugs arrive. Ensuring you have stocked up on the basics like paracetamol, plenty of tissues and lemon and honey for hot drinks can be a great way to prepare.  Here are some simple steps you can take to help you and your whānau recover:

  • Being up to date with Flu Vaccine and other immunisations
  • Making sure you get plenty of rest can lead to a quicker recovery time
  • Staying hydrated is key, make sure you drink plenty of fluids
  • A teaspoon of honey or saltwater gargle can sometimes help with sore throats. Don’t give honey to children under 12 months of age
  • Decongestants can help with a blocked or runny nose
  • A lemon and honey drink, lozenges or cough medicine may help to ease symptoms, they won’t cure the cough but will provide relief!
  • Paracetamol for aches and pains – Check with your GP/NP, Nurse or Healthline if you are unsure.

You can treat most colds and flu with the above rest and self-care at home. A cold can last up to two weeks although the cough symptoms can sometimes last longer than that.

You can find more information on the Healthify website: https://healthify.nz/health-a-z/c/cold-the-flu-or-covid-19/

It is important that you feel empowered to know when to seek medical help. Call us on 06 364 8555 or Healthline on 0800 611 116 (Healthline is available 24/7).  In an emergency call 111.

NP Catherine Parata

It is with sadness that we farewell Nurse Practitioner Catherine Parata from the medical centre. Catherine has been a valued part of our team for the past eight years, and we are very grateful for the care, dedication and support she has given to our patients, whānau and team during that time. Catherine has decided to further her Nurse Practitioner career by moving to an NP-only clinic in Levin. We wish Catherine all the very best for this exciting next chapter and thank her sincerely for everything she has contributed to our community.

Dr Christine Culter and Dr Terry Hall

We have had the pleasure of welcoming two locum doctors to our team during June and July. It has been wonderful to have both Dr Christine and Dr Terry with us, sharing their expertise, experience, and compassionate care with our patients and our team. We sincerely thank them for their valuable contribution.

Dr Ben Adams-Doolittle

We are pleased to welcome Dr Ben Adams-Doolittle back to the medical centre in a permanent capacity later in July. Dr Ben was part of our team for six months in 2025, and we are looking forward to having him return. He will also be taking on the role of Clinical Lead, supporting our team and helping guide clinical care across the practice. We are excited to have Ben back with us and know he will be a wonderful support to our patients, whānau and team.

NP Emma Sawyer

We are delighted to welcome Emma back to the Medical Centre. Many of you may remember Emma from her previous time with us as a valued member of our nursing team.

Since then, Emma has become a Nurse Practitioner and has been practising in that role for the past five years, gaining valuable experience and expertise. We are excited to welcome her back in August as a Nurse Practitioner and look forward to having her knowledge, skills, and compassionate care back as part of our team.

How to make an appointment

We know how difficult it can be to make an appointment, so here are some ways you can book:

  • We have a limited number of acute on the day appointments, if you need an acute appointment, please call between 8.45am-9am and press 1 when prompted and then 1 again.
  • To book a general appointment call between 10am-4.30pm and press 1 when prompted and then 2 when prompted to leave a message. We will return your call if we need more information or confirm your appointment by sending a txt message with the appointment details.
  • Present to the reception desk and one of our team will help you with your request
  • If you are registered to use My Indici and have a registered GP or NP use the MyIndici app to make a booking.

MyIndici

MyIndici is a secure online service that allows you to access your personal medical information at any time of the day or night. You can order repeat prescriptions, safely share information with healthcare services and securely communicate with healthcare professionals online.

  • View your medical records and lab results
  • Book appointments & get appointment reminders
  • Request routine repeat prescriptions

If you would like to register to use MyIndici please click here to go to our website and fill in the required information: MyIndici Patient Info – Otaki Medical

Your information will be sent to a team member who will complete your registration.  We will send you an email when this has been done for you.  If you need any help with this please let us know, we are here to help.

Mānawatia a Matariki

 

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