Latest News

Mirena & Jadelle Birth Control Options

Lois is able to insert the Mirena Intrauterine System and both Lois and Marc are both able to insert and remove the Jadelle Contraceptive Implant. The Jadelle implant is inserted both quickly and relatively painlessly under local anaesthetic. Both Jadelle and Mirena provide long-term birth control for up to five years. Mirena is fully reversible and won’t interfere with any plans for children in the future - it is also a treatment for heavy
periods. Come in and see Lois or Marc to discuss what's right for you.

Ear suctioning

We are now able to offer ear suctioning for removal of wax and debris from your ear. The procedure involves a microscope and small metal tube to gently remove material from the ear canal. It is less traumatic and safer than syringing. Suctioning is done by our doctors and will incur a usual consultation fee.

Measles outbreak

As of 1st August the Auckland Regional Public Health Service confirmed:
• 94 confirmed cases of measles in the Auckland region
• 8 contacts are in quarantine. A contact is a person who has had sufficient contact with the person with measles to be at risk of developing measles
• Five cases have now required hospitalisation during this outbreak
• Most cases have occurred in West Auckland with some spread to Central Auckland, North Shore, and Manukau
• Children over 6 months with asthma or other long term conditions

Measles is a serious and highly infectious disease that can make people very sick. In addition to the five cases that needed hospital care, many more have visited emergency departments and had short stays. Some people with lower immunity, including children too young for immunisation and people with cancer, have been treated in hospital after contact with people with measles to help lower their risk of developing measles.

The latest rise to 94 confirmed cases has included several cases associated with the Ranui Baptist Church, where a number of un-immunised people have developed measles. Almost all the cases in this outbreak have been in un-immunised people; it's testament to the effectiveness of the MMR vaccine protecting people who have received it.

For those people who do come into contact with a person infected with measles, if you have not been immunised or have not had the disease, then you may be advised to be quarantined; to stay at home and away from all public places, school or work for 14 days after coming into contact.

If you suspect you or your child is sick with measles, don’t wait; call us immediately.

Lois hours extended

Lois is now working 9am-4pm Mondays and Thursdays as well as 9am-1pm Saturdays.

New Arrival!

Congratulations to nurse Marlena and husband Scott on the arrival of their daughter Lauren. She arrived at 2.42am on the 8th of July weighing 3.62kg (8lb) and measuring 52cm long.

Flu vaccines now available

This year’s flu vaccine is now available. Get it before flu season starts! It protects against swine flu and 2 other common strains of influenza. It costs $26, or is free for following patients:
• Over 65s
• Pregnant women
• Anyone with any long term debilitating medical condition
• Diabetics, people with lung or heart disease, or cancer
• Children over 6 months with asthma or other long term conditions
For more information on flu vaccines, see www.fightflu.co.nz

Health and disease updates

• Depression
• Prostate testing and prostate cancer
Marc and Lois have produced some evidence-based information leaflets on these two common conditions. If you have any condition you would like information about, or you would like us to research, please let us know and we will endeavour to make this the topic of the next update.

Lois awarded Fellowship of the Royal New Zealand College of GPs

Lois now has the new title of ‘FRNZCGP’. Fellowship of the Royal College is a higher qualification and a marker of excellence in being a GP. Many GPs in New Zealand do not have this qualification. The assessor commented: ‘It was a pleasure assessing Dr Paton who has a wonderful manner and relates very well to her patients. She is clearly committed to both the education and research fields of general practice.’ Lois says ‘I would like to thank all the patients who have been involved with this over the past few months. It’s not always easy to have an extra person in the room during your consultation with the doctor who knows you, and I am grateful to the patients who took part. Now I have completed Fellowship, I’m looking forward to completing the second year of my Masters this year. I think education keeps the mind sharp and ultimately this makes me a better doctor’.

Marc becomes an Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer

Congratulations to Marc on being awarded the Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer post at Auckland University. We believe that it is essential for us to pass on our knowledge and skills to the next generation, and will be continuing to train the doctors of the future on a regular basis.

Maria off to the UK

Our wonderful receptionist, Maria Rawding, is sadly leaving us at the end of April to return to her family in the UK. We would like to thank her for all her hard work and dedication over the past 2 years, and wish her well for the future.

A new baby for Will the Physio

We would like to congratulate our physio Will and his wife Hannah on the birth of their first child on Monday 28th March. Oscar James Christopher Orr was born at a weight of 3.22kg (7.5 pounds). Will comes back to work at the start of April.

Need help with doctors bills?

Please talk to us! We are happy for you to spread payments over a few weeks, or pay us $5 a week so your account is always in credit. If you are having problems and are on WINZ benefits, WINZ will reimburse your medical bills if you give them a copy of your receipt. They can also arrange for your bill to be paid directly to us electronically. WINZ can also provide a medical assistance loan for short-term help with medical bills.
Please contact your nearest WINZ office for more details.
If you are in need, the Salvation Army can give vouchers to help meet the cost of doctors visits, depending on your circumstances. Click here to visit their website.

Physio opening hours update

Our physios are now available as follows:
Monday: 3pm-7pm
Tuesday: 8am-11.30am
Wednesday: closed
Thursday: 8am-10am and 3pm-7pm
Friday: 4.30pm-7pm

Will and Tom are experienced physios with a wealth of experience and expertise. The feedback from their patients has been fantastic! No doctors referral is required.
Please contact reception for an appointment on 09 4115222 or email admin@waimaukuphysio.co.nz. For more information see their website.