News Archive: 2021
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Portal Messages to your GP
Posted on Dec. 15, 2021
We have had a big increase in the portal messages our GPs are having to manage. This is just a gentle reminder that the portal can be used for quick and easy questions, the sort of questions that can be answered in one quick sentence with no to-ing and fro-ing. Also remember this service is not for urgent issues as it may be 48 working hours or more before your GP gets time to look at, and respond to, these messages.
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Fees Review
Posted on Dec. 15, 2021
We wish to give you an advanced warning that our fees are going to increase slightly from 1st January 2022.
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Traffic lights and what it means for Medplus
Posted on Dec. 15, 2021
What does the red light mean for Medplus?
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Driving License Medicals at Medplus
Posted on Dec. 15, 2021
An explanation for our process for driving license medical examinations.
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Welcome to Dr. Alia Al-Beer
Posted on Nov. 6, 2021
We are delighted to welcome our new full-time GP, Dr Alia Al-Beer. She is a very experienced GP who we have been lucky to recruit. She is looking forward to meeting you.
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Telephone system upgrade
Posted on Oct. 28, 2021
The extended lockdown has unfortunately delayed both our IT and telephone upgrade plans. We apologise for the long waits on the telephone, our old phone system has not been flexible enough to cope with socially distancing our reception staff at Medplus. We are awaiting a major overhaul of the system which should improve things significantly. The team who are going to do the work are based out of Auckland which is adding extra complexity during the lockdown. In the meantime please know that we will get to your call and are very sorry for any delay.
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Vax Facts
Posted on Oct. 28, 2021
Read the facts about the COVID 19 vaccine, as published by The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners. Please share with anyone who needs some encouragement.
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Additional COVID vaccination for severely immunocompromised people
Posted on Oct. 28, 2021
Following the announcement last week there has been a flurry of inquiries about additional vaccinations for those who are immunocompromised. Please note that the criteria for "severely immunocompromised" has been very tightly defined and very few of our population will meet it.
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Caring for yourself and others who have, or may have, COVID 19 at home
Posted on Oct. 28, 2021
As increasing numbers of people get COVID 19, spaces in isolation centres have become limited and now some people are being asked to self isolate at home. For the vast majority of people, especially those who have had their 2nd vaccination at least 2 weeks ago, COVID will be a minor illness similar to a cold or flu.
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Closed on Weekends in level 3 and on Labour Day
Posted on Oct. 21, 2021
We apologise for any inconvenience but we do not operate our walk-in weekend clinic at level 3 or 4. It is impossible to operate under the COVID safety guidelines on a skeleton weekend staff. If you need medical assistance at the weekend or when we are closed overnight please either call 111 or make your way to Shore Care at Smales Farm in Takapuna.
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Super Saturday Success at Medplus
Posted on Oct. 21, 2021
Medplus was delighted to be part of Super Saturday and immunized 117 people. Great work Takapuna.
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Medplus Pink For a Day
Posted on Oct. 21, 2021
Support us in going pink to help raise funds for breast cancer education, support, and research. We are sure every one of you will know of a special person who has been impacted by breast cancer, as the Medplus team has recently.
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COVID- 19 vaccine exemption certificates
Posted on Oct. 15, 2021
There are almost no medical reasons to issue an exemption to a COVID-19 vaccination and we have been directed not to issue them.
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Help us find the missing 133 women
Posted on Oct. 15, 2021
Please read this important message from the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ. At least 133 women have no idea they have breast cancer right now because they missed their mammogram because of COVID lockdowns.
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Vaccination update - Doing great but let's aim higher
Posted on Oct. 1, 2021
The Medplus team is delighted to see that as of 30th September, 8208 of our eligible patients have had at least one COVID 19 vaccination (many are double vaccinated) which makes 85.8% of our community on track. This is fantastic news for our community, but we would still like to help more people get over the line.
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Have you forgotten to cancel your pre-existing COVID 19 vaccination appointment?
Posted on Sept. 23, 2021
Did you make a booking for a COVID 19 vaccination with us but now no longer need it? Please help us out and either call Reception or the Medical Assistants on 09 489 2011 or email enquiries@medplus.co.nz to cancel.
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Do you want to bring forward your COVID vaccination?
Posted on Sept. 13, 2021
If you have a COVID vaccine appointment with us and wish to bring it forward, we have plenty of availability this week. We have been opening up additional clinics.
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Nau mai ki te wiki o Te Reo Māori
Posted on Sept. 13, 2021
Nau mai ki te wiki o Te Reo Māori
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COVID 19 vaccinations at Medplus
Posted on Sept. 6, 2021
Both our branches are now fully functioning COVID 19 vaccination centres and are very proudly helping to vaccinate our team of 5 million. Anyone over 12 can now book with us and we will see visitors.
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Updates on Level 4 September 6th 2021
Posted on Sept. 6, 2021
Read here about COVID vaccinations, swabs, and general services. Step up the testing, Auckland! Book your COVID vaccine now as we have free slots this week.
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Evidence Based management of COVID 19
Posted on Sept. 6, 2021
New Zealand is lucky in many regards that when finally, we do start living with COVID rather than working to eliminate it, we can do so with the knowledge and learnings from our peers around the world. Currently, all mild COVID cases are whizzed off ...
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Face Masks - help and advice
Posted on Aug. 29, 2021
Help, tips and tricks for wearing a mask effectively.
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Had a COVID test? Read here to understand what you can do whilst you wait for results and when they are back
Posted on Aug. 23, 2021
Unless you are having a routine employment COVID swab (as staff in medical centers do) you need to stay at home until your result is back. Your COVID-19 test result is negative. What happens next? Ensure that you check your situation below. People advised to stay at home while awaiting test results may not be able to return to daily life, even if their test is negative. For example, those who have symptoms, or who have been in contact with a case may need to stay at home longer.
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Been to a Location of Interest? Are you a contact? Here is what to do
Posted on Aug. 22, 2021
Struggling to understand what you are supposed to do? Read all the information here. Need a swab - we can manage this BY APPOINTMENT ONLY- read below for instructions.
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Virtual Consultations
Posted on Aug. 17, 2021
During the COVID 19 disruption, we are actively trying to do as many virtual consultations as possible. This reduces the chances of our patients picking up the infection at the time of consultation and protects our staff. If you need an examination you will be invited into a special afternoon clinic where we have one GP in PPE ready to examine all the day's cases.
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COVID 19 SWABS
Posted on Aug. 17, 2021
For those of you who need a COVID swab call us before you head off to the queues at the CBAC testing sites. In the last week we have swabbed 100s of symptomatic people and so far no positives.
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Medplus in Level 4
Posted on Aug. 17, 2021
Medplus remains open to care for you in Level 4 Most appointments will be VIRTUAL - by phone or video. If you do not want a pre-booked appointment now that it will be virtual please cancel it. Face-to-face appointments are only on the advice of your GP or nurse. Our waiting room and reception are closed. COVID 19 swabs are by appointment only - please ring on 09 489 2011 Sadly we have been told that no COVID vaccinations are to happen in the next 5 days - please assume your appointment is canceled.
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In support of your local pharmacy and what it can do for you
Posted on Aug. 15, 2021
Our friendly pharmacist, Anne Marie Ready, has written this piece for our newsletter. Our team greatly appreciates the support of our local pharmacists, who frequently communicate with our medical team to ensure our patients get the best results. They are a backstop who check we prescribe optimally, support patients, provide information to us about patient medication usage (or misuse) and we believe their input is essential to safe patient care. We do not get this service from the big new pharmacy supercentres that are beginning to take over. Please support your local community pharmacy.
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Welcome to Nurse Sara
Posted on Aug. 15, 2021
We are delighted to welcome Sara Gow to join the team of nurses at Medplus. Sara is a very experienced practice nurse who will complement our team. Sara is a mother of two who lives on the North Shore. She has a particular interest in cosmetic medicine.
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Welcome to Nurse Kate
Posted on Aug. 15, 2021
We are very proud of Kate, who originally worked in our reception team many years ago. She left to study nursing and we are delighted to have her back now she is a fully qualified nurse.
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Short term Sunday Closure
Posted on July 19, 2021
Due to staff shortages, we will be closing on Sunday mornings in the short term. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
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Doctor changes at Medplus
Posted on July 7, 2021
Medplus announces changes within the doctor team.
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Changes in our Nursing Team
Posted on July 4, 2021
We are delighted to welcome Emma to our nursing team. Emma is the Nurse Team Leader and is very much looking forward to meeting you.
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How we are managing coughs, colds and winter ills at Medplus
Posted on June 28, 2021
We have relaxed some of our procedures about seeing patients with respiratory symptoms whilst we remain in level 1. Please read below about how we may see you within our consultation rooms. We do need to know in advance so please do inform us if you have a cough, cold, sore throat, or runny nose. Please do not come in the waiting room, but wait in your car until your clinician has called you.
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Learn to meditate
Posted on May 30, 2021
Learn to meditateHave you always wanted to learn how to meditate? This course is free for our patients and will help calm the mind and create positive habits. In order to register please contact Amber on ahowells@comprehensivecare.co.nz
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Flu vaccines for everyone
Posted on May 27, 2021
Book to see our practice nurse at Hauraki Road or Anne Street if you would like a flu jab. It is FREE if you are eligible (over 65, pregnant, or certain long-term health issues). If you are not eligible for a free one the cost is $38 for the first person in your family and $20 for each subsequent person who comes along at the same time. Get it now before the COVID vaccination rollout gets properly underway.
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Fit bit Friyay - come along and join the fun
Posted on May 27, 2021
Gentle exercise at your pace. Restorative breathing. Stretching. Supported socialisation. Fridays 1pm at Medplus Hauraki weather permitting. Bring walking shoes.
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Introduction to yoga
Posted on May 27, 2021
Complimentary 6 sessions of yoga for Medplus patients.
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Flu vaccinations 2021
Posted on May 12, 2021
We are now vaccinating those over 65 years of age, and as of 17th May, we will be able to vaccinate those under 65 years with long-term health conditions (as listed) and pregnant women for free.
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Welcome to Dr Anuj Gupta
Posted on May 9, 2021
Dr Anuj Gupta joined Medplus in May 2021 and is working at Medplus Anne Street in Devonport.
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Where and when can I get a COVID 19 vaccine?
Posted on May 9, 2021
All the details of how the COVID-19 vaccination will rollout locally.
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All you need to know about the COVID-19 Vaccination in NZ
Posted on May 9, 2021
The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine will be offered to everyone over 16 years in New Zealand. This vaccine is known by the brand name Comirnaty. It is a mRNA vaccine, given as 2 doses at least 21 days apart.
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Fit-Bit-Fryay!
Posted on April 8, 2021
Meet at Medplus Hauraki every Friday at 1 pm (weather permitting) for an hour of fitness with your Health Coach and HIP.
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Vaccine update 2021
Posted on April 1, 2021
Read the latest information available on the rollout of influenza and COVID 19 vaccinations in NZ.
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Te Tumu Wairoa - To head towards wellness
Posted on March 28, 2021
Medplus has 2 new health practitioner roles to introduce to our patients, a Health Improvement Practitioner, and a Health Coach. These new roles are beginning to be rolled out across the country, and we are delighted to be one of the first practices on the North Shore to be involved. These positions have been fully funded, so are available at no cost to our patients.
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Medplus is delighted to introduce our new Health Coach. Tēnā koe, Angus.
Posted on March 28, 2021
Angus is a Health Coach who is passionate about helping those with physical or mental health issues and fostering healthy lifestyle actions. He a strong believer in the holistic approach and encourages changes to lifestyle that will enhance health and wellbeing.
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Tēnā koe to Amber - our new Medplus Health Improvement Practitioner
Posted on March 28, 2021
Tēnā koe to Amber, our new Medplus Health Improvement Practitioner. Amber is a human first and foremost and dearly enjoys connecting upon this equal platform. She is also an Occupational Therapist and qualified Yoga teacher who is deeply passionate about working as a Health Improvement Practitioner within the Medplus community.
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Level 2 changes 7th March 2021
Posted on March 7, 2021
We are delighted to be back in Level 2 which gives us greater opportunity for face-to-face consultations.
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First COVID vaccinations for some of the Medplus Team
Posted on March 7, 2021
On Friday 5th March our practice manager got an unexpected call to say there were some vaccines not required by MIQ staff and would some of our nurses and doctors like to attend the Crown Plaza Hotel to get their first COVID vaccination.At short notice, ...
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DO I NEED A COVID SWAB?
Posted on Feb. 28, 2021
Read more to find out if you should get a swab. If you need a swab, please ring our reception on 09 489 2011 during the opening hours. A nurse will phone you back to organise this. You will be given a timed appointment to arrive at our Hauraki car park for a quick and easy swab. Very easy, convenient and no long queues.
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LEVEL 3 CHANGES - URGENT UPDATE 28th FEBRUARY 2021
Posted on Feb. 27, 2021
We share your disappointment that we find ourselves back in a level 3 lockdown, but trust this is the best way to keep us all safe. Please read the following carefully as there are dramatic changes to the way we have to work. Remember we are still open for business and will continue to look after you and your family.
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Off to University? Don't take any risks, vaccinate before you go.
Posted on Feb. 2, 2021
Are you off to University this year? Whilst living in hall can be the best days of your life, it can also be a high-risk time for your health. Now is the time to check all your vaccinations are up to date and that you take advantage of the new offering to get protection against some strains of meningitis for free. Do not assume that your parents made sure you had all the vaccinations you need, there are some that are either newly available or that you may have missed at school especially if you are male.
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A true tale of an urgent problem solved by Medplus Phone Triage
Posted on Feb. 2, 2021
Are you wondering how phone triage works? Here is one great example of how it can help solve problems without you even needing to step in our doors at Medplus.
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Coeliac Disease Guide
Posted on Feb. 2, 2021
Unfortunately, there is a lot of eye-rolling when people announce they are on a gluten-free diet, probably because there is an awful lot of confusion and misunderstanding between coeliac disease, food allergies, intolerances, and those on low carb diets by choice. With coeliac disease affecting about 70, 000 Kiwis, (1/80 are affected here, more than the 1/100 in other Western countries) it is important to understand it to support those around you who must live with this disorder lifelong.
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Are you up to date with measles vaccinations?
Posted on Feb. 2, 2021
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases and is the third most common vaccine-preventable cause of death amongst children worldwide. Check you have been immunised today.