Newsletter – September/October 2026

Winter Wellness

Flu season is still with us, and cold and flu viruses are continuing to do the rounds. Having the basics on hand, such as paracetamol, plenty of tissues, and lemon & honey for warm drinks can help you feel ready.  Here is a reminder from our previous newsletter of some simple steps to support you and your whānau while you recover:

  • Being up to date with Flu Vaccine and other Flu vaccines are now free for all children aged 6 months to under 5 years.  If you haven’t had a vaccine yet, it isn’t to late.  Book your whānau in now by calling us on 06 3648555.
  • Making sure you get plenty of rest can lead to 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 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 3648555 or Healthline on 0800 611 116 (Healthline is available 24/7). In an emergency call 111.

Farewell to Dr Ben Thorhauge

It is with sadness that we farewell Dr Ben Thorhauge from the medical centre. Dr Ben has been a valued part of our team since 2022, providing thoughtful, compassionate care to our patients and whānau. His calm manner and clinical expertise have been greatly appreciated by both patients and colleagues alike.

We would like to sincerely thank Dr Ben for his dedication and contribution to our practice over this time. We wish him all the very best for his next chapter and know many in our community will join us in saying thank you and farewell.

Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month

September is Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month. With more women dying from ovarian cancer than all other gynaecological cancers combined, it’s an important time for us to shine a light on gynaecological cancer and raise awareness.

Gynaecological cancers include

  • ovarian cancer
  • uterine (otherwise known as endometrial or womb) cancer
  • cervical cancer
  • vulvar cancer
  • vaginal cancer
  • gestational trophoblastic neoplasia

Learn about the symptoms of ovarian cancer.

Know Your Heart Health – Book Your Cardiovascular Risk Assessment Today!

Did you know that September 29th is World Heart Day?  You can celebrate World Heart Day by booking in your CVRA.

Did you know that many people are at risk of heart disease or stroke without any obvious symptoms?

A Cardiovascular Risk Assessment helps identify your risk of developing heart disease, having a heart attack, or experiencing a stroke over the next 5 years.

Your appointment with one of our friendly nurses includes:
Blood test (if required)
Blood pressure check
Height, weight & waist measurements
Lifestyle and medical history review

Using this information, we’ll calculate your individual cardiovascular risk and discuss ways to help keep your heart healthy.  Call our reception team today to book your appointment.

Taking just a little time now could make a big difference to your future health.

Ordering a new prescription

There are several ways of re-ordering your regular medication from your Doctor.

  • Come into the Medical Centre and complete a Repeat Prescription Request form. These are kept to the left of reception desk on a table.
  • You can make an appointment with your Doctor. There will be a consultation charge for this.
  • You can use the on-line form on our website Prescriptions – Otaki Medical
  • Do it online via My Indici via https://myindici.co.nz/Account/Login.

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 appointments on the day, 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.

What is triage for on-the-day appointments?

Triage is a way of making sure patients are seen by the right person, in the right way, at the right time. When you phone us asking for an appointment on the day, our team may ask a few questions about what is happening and how urgent it is. This helps a clinician decide the best next step for you.  Sometimes this may mean a same-day appointment with a doctor, nurse practitioner or nurse. At other times, your concern may be safely managed with a phone call, advice, a prescription, a booked appointment on another day, or guidance about where to get urgent care.

Using triage helps keep on-the-day appointments available for people who need to be seen urgently. It also means some patients can get the help they need without having to travel into the medical centre.  Please be assured that if your symptoms sound serious or urgent, we will let you know what to do next.

If it is an emergency, call 111. If you are unsure and need health advice outside our opening hours, you can call Healthline free on 0800 611 116.

 

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