Healthy heart checks
Our nurses are trained in performing well person's heart checks. You will be asked to have a blood test before the check up to measure your sugar and cholesterol levels. Dietary and lifestyle advice is available.It is recommended that heart checks be completed for:
- All men between 45 and 65 years of age
- All women between 55 and 65 years of age
These age limits are reduced for men older than 35 and women older than 45 if you are:
- Maori/Pacific/Indian, or
- Have a family history of blood vessel disease (eg parents or siblings with diabetes, heart disease or stroke), or
- Have personal risk factors eg hypertension, high cholesterol, current or recent smoker, history of diabetes in pregnancy
- A person with polycystic ovary syndrome, impaired sugar blood tests, or overweight (BMI>=30)
Hearing tests (audiometry)
Hearing tests can be completed at Bayfair Doctors. When your hearing is tested it is charted on what we call an audiogram. Your audiogram is a record of the softest sounds you heard during your hearing test, in each ear.
It is common for employers to request hearing tests as part of pre-employment medicals for potential new employees.
Spirometry (lung function tests)
Spirometry testing also known as lung function screening is a test that can help diagnose various lung conditions, most commonly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Spirometry is also used to monitor the severity of some other lung conditions, and their response to treatment. Spirometry measures the amount (volume) and/or speed (flow) of air that can be inhaled and exhaled.
Spirometry is often requested by employers as part of pre-employment medicals, particularly if the employee will be working in a dusty environment.
Our trained nurses are able to complete spirometer testing at The Doctors Bayfair branch.
Cervical screening
Qualified nurse smear takers are able to offer cervical smears under the cervical screening programme guidelines. Nurse-led cervical smear clinics are available at either practice during the day, Monday to Friday.
Regular cervical smear tests are recommended for women from the age of 20 years until they turn 70 years if they have ever been sexually active. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable of all cancers. A women’s best protection against developing cervical cancer is having regular cervical smear tests.
For more information on Women's health, check out this website: http://www.nsu.govt.nz/
Electrocardiographs (ECG)
An ECG is a recording of your heart's electrical activity. Electrode patches are attached to your skin to measure the electrical impulses given off by your heart. The result is a trace that can be read by a doctor. It can give information of previous heart attacks or problems with the heart rhythm.
ECG’s are available at Bayfair and Papamoa Doctors at the request of your GP.
Diabetes management advice
Qualified specialist diabetes nurses are available to provide advice and assistance to our diabetes patients.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes you will receive advice, monitoring and education. Early treatment is available to help prevent worsening of the disease or associated complications.
Our doctors and diabetes nurse encourage all diabetes patients to complete an annual diabetes check up with the diabetes nurse. This check-up involves assessment of diabetes control and ensures regular retinal screening and diabetic foot screening. Some diabetes patients are eligible for our diabetes case management programme. Please ask your doctor or diabetes nurse if this is available to you.
Baymed supports and refers diabetes patients to the local Wellness diabetes self-management programme.
For further information on diabetes, check out www.diabetes.co.nz
Skin checks and surgery
Skinspots will be based at The Doctors Papamoa one day a week. Skinspots staff provide highly trained and experience clinicians to do skin cancer checks using clinic three different proven methods.
- A clinical skin check using a dermatoscope, Dermoscopy in experienced hands ensures earlier diagnosis, fewer unnecessary excisions and better cure rates
- Digital mole mapping A whole-body skin check takes an average of 45-60 minutes while a single lesion assessment would require 10 to 15 minutes (equivalent of previous skin checks)
- Full body photography. This is the best way to find new lesions, this is critical as 70% of the numbers appear as new lesions.
Specialty nurse led clinics
The nurses working in our nurse-led clinics provide expert nursing care to people experiencing a range of health issues, working collaboratively with your doctor and other health team members where indicated.
There is increasing evidence demonstrating improved health outcomes, cost effectiveness, and quality of life for people attending nurse-led clinics.
Some of our nurses have gained specialty knowledge and qualifications and extended their role to enable caring for people with long-term health conditions.
Workplace flu vaccination
Business is more effective when all staff members are healthy, and there's less absenteeism. Our doctors and nurses encourage all workers to protect themselves from influenza with vaccination. Our certified nurse vaccinators can provide immunisation for your employees. Contact us for more information.