News

18th June 2024 –   

FLU – Increased Demand

We are experiencing an increase in demand due to high rates of winter illnesses such as coughs, colds and influenza as well as ongoing cases of Covid.
Viral illnesses such as these are not helped by antibiotics and usually will resolve themselves with time and simple symptomatic treatment such as panadol or ibuprofen. Please refer to below for advice when additional examination or treatment may be required.
For health advice for you or your whanau please consider:
Devon Medical Centre is working hard to prioritise those patients who may actually benefit from an urgent appointment but we only have a limited number of appointments per day.  It can be harder to get through as our phones can get very busy.  Please be patient.
If you do require an urgent appointment, please contact us.  Our triage team will ring you to assess your health need. Please remember to book ahead for routine appointments, repeat prescriptions or WINZ/ACC paperwork.

 Covid Update from Te Whata Ora

  • COVID-19 vaccines remain free for everyone aged 5 and over. They are also available to tamariki from 6 months who are at greater risk of severe illness if they get COVID-19.
  • COVID-19 antivirals also remain free and available for people with a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
  • People who are eligible for treatment with COVID-19 antiviral medicines can continue to get a prescription for antivirals from their doctor, healthcare provider, or hauora provider. Some pharmacies can supply antivirals without a prescription.
  • From 1 July 2024, people will be charged for COVID-19 healthcare consultations/visits as they would for any other non-COVID-19 consultations/visits. 
  • Free rapid antigen tests (RATs) will continue to be available to the public until 30 September 2024. RAT testing is still an important method to support eligible people to access antiviral medicines and reduce the impact of COVID-19 on hospital admission rates.
  • People can access free RATs by finding a participating pharmacy or RAT collection site near them on Healthpoint.
  • People who live rurally, have a disability, are immunocompromised or experience some other difficulty accessing RATs may be eligible for additional help, including delivery if necessary. People can find out if they are eligible by calling 0800 222 478.
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2nd April 2024-Flu Vaccinations
Flu Vaccinations are available now! These can be booked via the patient portal in the ‘flu vaccination clinic’ or by calling Devon Medical on 06 759 1888

For patients under 65

Influenza vaccinations are available from 2nd April 2024.
Everyone is at risk of experiencing severe complications from the flu.
People over 65 years, young children and those with chronic conditions are more at risk of experiencing severe outcomes.
Vaccination provides the best protection for you and your whānau.
We are offering 2 flu vaccine options this year. Please decide which vaccine you would prefer before your appointment.

Option 1-The Influvac Tetra. This vaccine is the Government funded* influenza vaccine with good protection for all. (see Pharmac eligibility criteria to see if eligible). The cost is $35 for non-eligible patients.
Option 2-Flucelvax Quad. This vaccine is designed to be an exact match to flu strains circulating this year. Provides up to 19% greater vaccine effectiveness than the funded vaccine. This vaccine is not funded. The cost is $41.00
For patients over 65
Influenza vaccinations are available from 2nd April 2024.
Everyone is at risk of experiencing severe complications from the flu.
People over 65 years, young children and those with chronic conditions are more at risk of experiencing severe outcomes.
Vaccination provides the best protection for you and your whānau.
We are offering 2 flu vaccine options this year. Please decide which vaccine you would prefer before your appointment.
Option 1-Influvac Tetra. This vaccine is the Government funded influenza vaccine. Good protection for all. FREE
Option 2-Fluad Quad. This vaccine is designed specifically for people over 65 to give better and longer protection. $44 (This vaccine is non-funded)
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Practice Update – June 2023 

Introducing Tess James
Pharmacist Prescriber
PGPharm, PGDipClinPharm

PG Pharmacist Prescribing

Tess has a wealth of knowledge and works collaboratively with our clinical team to support our patients.

Tess is able to see adult patients for all routine medication reviews, repeat prescriptions, help to optimise your current medications, and any medication related concerns that patients may have with their medicines.

Her specialist area for prescribing is Type 2 Diabetes and primary prevention of cardiovascular disease,

Tess works four days a week by appointment.

If you have ever had any questions about how your medicines work then she is the person to see.

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Introducing Cristina our Health Improvement Practitioner (HIP)

HIPs (Health Improvement Practitioners) are registered health professionals who work alongside GP’s and nurses, helping out when any problems with living and stress are having an impact on our hauora (health and well-being).
The HIP can practically help with:
• Relationship issues
• Stress & anxiety
• Management of long-term conditions
• Low mood
• Chronic pain challenges
• Sleep issues/Fatigue & tiredness
• Lifestyle changes/feeling stuck
• Child/youth behavioral issues
• Reducing/quitting smoking
• Any other life or health problem

Anyone of any age can see the HIP & sessions are FREE
Interested? Book an appointment or ask your Dr or nurse about it today.