What's new ?
July 2010
CHANGES IN AFTER HOURS SERVICE
From the 1st July 2010 we are changing our arrangements for after hours medical care in Rangiora. This applies to medical services at weekends and after 5pm on weekdays. We will now be operating urgent after hours care from the 24 Hour Surgery, in Bealey Ave, Christchurch.
This decision has been made after lengthy consideration and debate over the last two years among the Rangiora Doctors and community groups. While we acknowledge the changes may cause some inconvenience, this is about finding the safest, highest quality and most sustainable solution for our community, and the people of Canterbury.
Just as happens now, all calls will be directly routed through to a telephone answering service- ring your regular daytime GP's phone number. This answering service is staffed by experienced nurses who will assess your needs, offer advice or arrange for you to see a GP at the 24 Hour Surgery -or request an ambulance- as appropriate. All of your local doctors have become members of the 24 Hour Surgery, which has excellent medical facilities including all-day pharmacy and XRay.
Already up to 3,000 visits a year to the 24 Hour Surgery are made by people who travel from rural areas - including many from Rangiora. Cantabrians have some of the best access to community based care in New Zealand, and we are very fortunate to have the 24 Hour Surgery, one of the last remaining services of its kind in the country that is still open around the clock.
If the call is for an urgent life-threatening emergency please dial 111.
GPs will continue to provide a limited clinic service in Rangiora on Saturdays (except for public holidays) at ‘Medical Corner Doctors' on High St. Appointments for the clinic will be made as now, by the telephone answering service - just phone your normal GP number to arrange to be seen in the clinic. House calls will generally not be possible after hours.
Some surgeries also provide weekday evening appointments - please contact your own Practice to check this.
In adopting a more efficient use of our experienced doctors' time we hope to continue to provide top-class medical care to our community and attract new doctors to look after you in future years. If you have any difficulties please notify your GP within normal business hours during the week.
New Nurses
We welcome two new nurses to our team at Durham Health, Julie and Nicky who both have experience in emergency medicine and general practice care.
We have said our farewells to Raewyn who has moved to Australia to be nearer family members.
Dr Jill Yu
Dr Jill Yu will be away travelling from the end of July and through August. Any of the other doctors in the practice are able to attend to her patients whilst she is away.
Appetite for Life
This is a healthy eating, weight management program for women which will be available in Rangiora in October. It's a six week course which costs $25. The course lasts for 2 hours on a Saturday morning and includes a meal. Healthy recipes and help with sustainable long term weight loss or maintenance.
Contact Alison Cane (Practice Nurse) for details on 03 313 4659.
Minor Surgery
Dr Nancy Loader has completed the training at Burwood Hospital Plastic surgery outpatient clinic and is able to remove more complex moles than usual. Occasionally her colleagues will ask for her opinion. We have a minor operation room at Durham Health and are able to manage the majority of these problems on site.
Acute Demand
At Durham Health we have a fully equipped observation room with a bed and are able to give IV antibioitcs, fluids and pain relief as needed. We also have oxygen, a heart monitor and nebulisers.
This is funded by the CDHB and allows us to act early to avoid hospital admissions. We aim to keep care in the community where possible.
Influenza - this seasons Flu vaccine is now available . It covers swine flu which is expected to make a return this autumn/winter. Remember it takes 2 weeks from having the vaccination to be protected, so the sooner the better. Book in now with the Nurse or mention it to the doctor when you are in the surgery.
Free Accident Clinic - we are currently running a free ACC clinic every day for minor injuries. This means you will not have to pay the usual surcharge for an ACC consultation. It's open to anyone in the area , enrolled and non-enrolled patients.
Please note it does not cover chronic or longstanding problems already registered with ACC.