Health Services
Kowhai Surgery – Warkworth doctors for all the family
Health Services for New Patients
If you would like to save time on your first visit download a copy of the Registration Form and complete prior to coming into our rooms as a new patient. It would be appreciated if you could make an appointment with the Nurse before your first GP consultation so she can fill out all details such as allergies, family history etc. This is a free 15min visit.
After Hours
Consultation
Health Screening
Medical Services Offered by General Practitioners
Nurse Led Education Clinics
Other Services From Visiting Specialists
Repeat Prescriptions
Test Results
12 TIPS for getting the Best out of your GP
Cardio Vascular Disease Clinic (CVD)
After Hours Health Services
Late night clinics are available in Warkworth on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday until 8pm and Saturday 9am-12pm and selected public holidays. These clinics are shared between Kowhai Surgery and Warkworth Medical Centre.
Outside these hours, the nearest Accident and Medical Centre is in Red Beach (Coast Care Accident and Medical, Red Beach Shopping Centre, Red Beach Road, Red Beach – 09 427 9130) open daily until 8pm or ShoreCare (209 Shakespeare Road Takapuna 09 486 7777) which is open 24 hours. Coast to Coast Health Care in Wellsford also offer 24 hour emergency care. Tel 09 423 8086
Should you require advice outside office hours please ring the surgery and your call will be answered by an experienced nurse who will be able to advise you as to the most appropriate course of action. For emergencies please ring 111.
Consultation
Normal allocated time for an appointment is 10-15 minutes. If you feel additional time is required please let the receptionist know when booking.
Health Screening
Once you have registered with us, you will be assessed individually so we are able to ensure you are on the appropriate recall programs. A 20 minute appointment is required with the practice nurse prior to visiting your new doctor.
Cervical Screening
Blood Pressure
Weight
Skin Checks
Bowel Cancer Screening
Mammograms
Immunisations
Diabetes Check
Flu and Pneumoccal Vaccines
Medical Services offered by General Practitioners
Administration of Simple Injections
(ie. Vitamin B12, HPV)
Applicable Referrals to Harbour Health Services
Bowel Screening Referrals
Breast Screening
Cervical Screening
Cryotherapy (Liquid Nitrogen)
Microsuctioning
ECG Diagnosis
Elderly Care
Family Planning (ie. IUCD, Depo Provera Injections)
General Practice Consultations
Insurance Medicals
Jadelle Insertion/Removal
Men’s Health Checks
Mirena Insertion and Removal (certain criteria applies)
Mole and Lesion Removal
Menopause Mangament
Mental Health Services
Minor Surgery
Primary Options for Acute Care Services
Skin Checks
Sports Medicine Assessment
Steroid Joint Injections
Travel Vaccinations – basic
Warfarin Management
Well Women checks
Weight Management
Nurse Led Clinics
Asthma Clinic
Cardio Vascular Disease Clinic (CVD)
Care Plus
Green Prescriptions
Lung Function Test
Smoking Cessation
Diabetes Clinics
Immunisations – childhood and travel
Ear Syringing
Spirometry
Other Health Services From Visiting Specialists include:
Dietician
ENT Specialist
General Surgery Specialist
Obstetrician & Gynaecologist
Orthopaedic
Repeat Prescriptions
In-between visits to the Doctor you may require a repeat prescription for your long-term medications that we have previously prescribed to you.
It is our policy to review all our patients who require regular medication at least once every 6 months to ensure that you receive the best possible medical treatment.
You may phone your repeat in to the receptionist, but please allow at least 48 hours notice. – Please refer to fees for relevant charges. Did you know that you can now email for your repeat prescriptions? prescriptions.kowhai@xtra.co.nz
Please contact us – list the medicines you want prescribing along with your name, date of birth and a contact telephone number in case we have any queries. This service is for prescriptions only.
Test Results
If you have had any blood test or other medical test your Doctor/Nurse will contact you if the results are of concern.
You will not be contacted if your results are normal. If you feel that your test results are taking a long time please phone the nurse.
If the nurse is unable to take your call you may call back later or leave a message for the nurse to phone you.
Tips For Getting the Best Out of Your GP
If you have had any blood test or other medical test your Doctor/Nurse will contact you if the results are of concern.
You will not be contacted if your results are normal. If you feel that your test results are taking a long time please phone the nurse.
If the nurse is unable to take your call you may call back later or leave a message for the nurse to phone you.
Book adequate time
Warn the receptionist if you have several issues to discuss or need a comprehensive health check like an insurance medical, cervical smear or full body skin check. You’ll need longer than the standard 15 minute appointment.
Book one consultation for each family member
Feel free to take along family members but extra children or family members need their own appointment so they too can have sufficient time with the doctor.
Think ahead
Jotting down what you want to cover can be a big help to a doctor, especially if you are likely to forget some things, such as particular symptoms related to your condition. If you need a prescription repeat you may be able to fax or email your request – but try to do this at least 24 hours before you run out of medicine.
Get your GP all the information
Arrange to transfer any medical notes from other healthcare providers such as after-hours clinics. Keep the receptionist informed of any change of contact details.
Relax
Speak to your doctor as you would a friend. Being open and frank during your consultation will help both you and your doctor – and your confidences will be respected.
Remember your allergies
Your doctor should have a record of your allergies, but it never hurts to remind him or her – just to be on the safe side.
Don’t be afraid to ask for a second opinion
It’s completely reasonable, and your doctor may make a suggestion about who you can approach. If you feel embarrassed about doing this, one easy way to get around this is with a little white lie such as “My daughter/wife/husband thinks its a good idea to get another opinion.”
Make plans for the future
Some older people have genuine concerns about medical intervention or being kept alive in the event of a stroke or terminal illness. If you make your thoughts known, your GP can often express your wishes if you no longer can.
Make yourself known
Tell the receptionist who you are when you arrive.
Bring an interpreter or a chaperone
If you would like an interpreter or a chaperone, these can be arranged for you with prior notification.
Call if you are running late
Leave a contact number so the staff can inform you if there is a delay at the surgery.
Speak up if it's urgent
If you think your appointment might be urgent, you may be able to see the practice nurse more quickly for an initial assessment. When you arrive, tell the receptionist if you think it’s an emergency – such as chest pain or difficulty breathing.
- We endeavour wherever possible to keep our patient appointments running on time.
- At times you may experience delays due to an accident and emergency consultation. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
- We aim to be “on time” and appreciate it if you are punctual.
- Contact reception as early as possible to rearrange your appointment, a non-attendance fee may be charged if an appointment is missed without prior notice.
Cardio Vascular Disease Clinic (CVD)
We know that some people in the community are at higher risk of having a heart attack or stroke. This may be because of their age, gender, ethnicity, medical/family history, smoking status or other factors. Early intervention can reduce this risk.
If you are a female between the ages of 55-69 years, or a male 45-69 years we will invite you to have a free Heart Health Check every 5 years. Based on this calculation we can advise you about what you can do and how we can help you reduce the possibility of having a heart attack, stroke or developing heart disease.
The assessment is free of charge and will take 15 minutes with the nurse but should the result indicate increased risk, a follow-up with your doctor will be advised.
Please contact the surgery at 09 425 7358 to arrange an appointment or answer questions about a CVD risk assessment. You may need to have a blood test before this assessment-a nurse can arrange this.