Let’s keep you on time
The Doctors Fred Thomas and Hauraki Corner work hard to keep appointments running on time. When you phone for an appointment you may be asked the reason for your request. This is not us being nosy.
When we know the reason for the request for an appointment, we can ensure that you will be seen by the best person to deal with your issue in the fastest time possible. Also, we will ensure you get the time required to deal with your issues.
Any information shared with the reception team is completely confidential.
Here are a few tips to make your appointment more efficient.
- One or two issues can be dealt with in a standard 15-minute visit.
- Please, make a double appointment to discuss multiple health issues.
- Some procedures need more than 15 minutes, so please check with the nurse or reception when booking.
- One patient per appointment. Please book extra appointments for any additional patients or family.
- Plan ahead and where possible, do any blood tests prior to your appointment.
Current Vaccination Advice for the Auckland Region - August 2019
Following the recent measles outbreaks, the Ministry of Health has modified the standard MMR vaccination catch-up advice. The Doctors Fred Thomas and Hauraki Corner are recalling those under five that have not had at least one vaccine.
Also, we are sending early recalls to those due for their 15-month vaccines, which includes MMR. They can now be given at 12 months to ensure 90-95 per cent coverage of measles.
Children aged 12–15 months
Pre-call children from 12 months of age to receive all four 15-month vaccinations (MMR, varicella, Hib and PCV10).
Children aged 16 months to less than five years
Recall children from 16 months to less than five years of age who do not have one documented dose of MMR vaccine.
Administer the second MMR vaccination at four years of age as per the Immunisation Schedule.
Children from five years of age, adolescents and adults aged under 50 years
Opportunistically offer one catch-up MMR vaccination to anyone aged five years to less than 50 years who does not have a documented dose of measles-containing vaccine (administered when 12 months of age or older).
More information can be found at The Immunisation Advisory Centre website.
Practice Nurse - Iris Shi
The best practice techniques adopted at The Doctors Fred Thomas motivates an aspirational member of the clinical team to excel in her role.
Practice nurse, Iris Shi joined The Doctors in June 2018 and she says the consistent use of proven clinical techniques ensures all patients receive high standards of care, all the time.
“The nursing team works with highly qualified and experienced doctors, and we are all supported to do what we are best at,” says Iris.
Her role includes immunising patients for general population health as well as administering vaccines to people travelling to international destinations where there are health risks.
Iris and the charge nurse carryout smear tests for cervical health, which takes the pressure off busy doctors and it is slightly cheaper to see a nurse for this routine procedure.
The nursing team can also change dressings and use liquid nitrogen to treat small skin lesions and growths, such as warts.
In fact, Iris’s day can include anything from ear syringing to remove wax, to carrying out electrocardiography (ECG) to monitor the electrical activity of a patient’s heart.
“A great day is when I see a patient for one routine procedure, such as a smear test.
“They are generally healthy and we may seldom see them, so this is an opportunity to check other health indicators, including blood pressure, stress levels and weight.”
It is like a mini check-up and if a health concern arises, Iris refers patients to their doctor and their improved well-being is a positive outcome that she feels good about initiating.
Iris developed her varied professional skillset throughout four years of practice nurse experience at a Remuera medical centre and prior to that, she was a nurse at a rest home hospital.
She studied nursing at The University of Auckland and has undertaken professional development throughout her career.
Recently Iris got married and the couple bought their first home, located on the North Shore.
Her free time is spent renovating and enjoying simple activities, like watching movies or walking so they can save money for further décor improvements.
GP Update
Over the next couple of months, a number of our doctors are on annual leave.
Please check Manage My Health to see each doctors availability. For planned health checks and appointments please book well in advance.
Labour Weekend
Please also note that we will be closed on Saturday 26th October and Monday 28th October for Labour Day. If you require urgent care over this period, please call our number 09 972 9020 to be diverted to our after-hours nurse advice line; or present to Shore Care at Smales Farm, Takapuna.
Manage My Health
Our online patient portal called Manage My Health gives you secure access to your individual health information. It enables you to make appointments, access your lab results, order prescriptions, message your doctor or nurse and update your personal details online.
If you would like to sign up, please email your date of birth and the email address you would like to use for the log in process to info@fthealth.co.nz and we will email you the activation instructions.
If you have any queries regarding the above, please call us on 09 972 9020
or email info@fthealth.co.nz