The Doctors Birkenhead

• General Health and Wellness
• Minor Surgery
• Immunisations
• Womens Health
• Chronic Disease Management

Book your flu vaccination using the online form to request an appointment or by phoning us on 09 419 2180

Request Flu Vaccine Booking

Health Checks

Contraceptive advice

Our doctors and nurses are able to discuss and cater for most of your contraceptive needs:

• Oral contraceptives
• Depo Provera injections
• IUCD (intra uterine contraceptive device) - this includes Copper, Mirena and Jaydess
• Emergency contraception

Family Planning

Your GP can advise you on all aspects of family planning.

Cervical Screening aged 20-69yrs

You have the choice for a nurse or GP to do this for you at a time that suits you. This can include sexual health screening.

Breast Screening from age 40yrs - funded mammograms age 45-69yrs

Best practice recommends you get your breasts checked with your GP prior to your mammogram.

Early pregnancy

Consult your GP for early pregnancy care under 12 weeks gestation. Also see our services through Circle Maternity.

Menopause

Discuss with your GP how to manage your menopause.

• Annual health checks
• Screening for prostate cancer
• Family planning (vasectomy) with Dr John Russell

• Healthy lifestyle choices'
• Exam stress
• Vaccinations

Don't Assume You're Immune. If your teen is about to leave school, now is a good time to check they are up to date with their immunisations before they move onto work, further education or travel. Visit the website getimmunised.org.nz for more information.

HPV vaccination:

From the 1st of January 2017, HPV (Human Papillomavirus Vaccine) immunisation will be funded for everyone aged 9 – 26 (inclusive) including boys and young men. The HPV vaccination is a course of 3 injections and is free if the 1st injection is prior to the 27th birthday. The HPV vaccine will be offered to boys and girls as part of the school based programme in Year 8 around the age of 12. HPV immunisation will be available and free through general practices from 9 years of age through to age 26. 

The Doctors at Fred Thomas health are committed to this program and will be contacting eligible patients over the next 12months. HPV viruses are common and cause skin and mucous membrane infection. 4 out of 5 people are infected with HPV during their lifetime usually within the first 2 years of commencing sexual activity. HPV viruses can lead to diseases such as genital warts and HPV related cancers such as cervical, vulval and vaginal cancer, penile cancer and cancers of the tongue and oropharynx.

If you would like further information or would like to start the course of vaccinations please contact the Nurses on 09-972 9020.

• Diabetics management and checks
• Insulin starts
• All respiratory conditions and COPD
• All heart failure care
• Care Plus - a lifestyle plan that includes 4 regular follow-ups

• Driver’s licence medicals
• Insurance medicals
• Pre-employment medicals

Many conditions do not need to be referred to a specialist or hospital. The Doctors Fred Thomas GPs offer fast and competent removal and biopsies of skin lesions, lumps and bumps. Other services include removal of benign moles and skin tags and ingrown toenail surgery. If your insurance company is Southern Cross then we use the "Easy-Claim" process and the insurance company is directly billed.

• Vasectomies - download our brochure [we are an affiliated provider with Southern Cross for vasectomies]
• Circumcision - download our brochure
• Liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy)

• Asthma and COPD care
• Spirometry

Confidential consultations

The Doctors Fred Thomas has staff trained in all aspects of travel health services. Contact us 4-6 weeks before setting off, click here for our Travel Health Questionnaire.

What do our Travel Health Services include?

• Specific travel advice tailored to the travellers needs to plan for a healthy and safe trip
• General travel advice on such issues as deep vein thrombosis, jet lag, traveller’s diarrhoea, altitude sickness
• Advice on accident and injury prevention
• Advice on women’s health issues such as pregnancy and flying and HIV considerations
• Advice on specific diseases and illnesses relating to the traveller’s destination, including malaria, rabies, hepatitis and more
• Pre-travel vaccinations - get the right vaccines, medications and advice for the right countries
• Manage complicated medical issues, families, school groups or business travel
• Post-travel health needs or illnesses
• Travel consultations are a non-funded service for both adults and children

Please contact our medical centre directly for Travel Health services pricing.

Modern ear wax removal is easier than the ear syringing of old, it is safer and considered more comfortable.

Three days before ear suction you will need to apply either waxsol or olive oil - or Na HCO3 ear drops (available on prescription) to both ears three times a day to soften wax.

The cost is $65.00. Please contact us on 09 972 9020 or info@fthealth.co.nz to book an appointment.

FAQs

1. What is ear wax removal by microsuction?

Ear wax removal by microsuction involves an Ear Nurse using a light and microscope to view inside the ear canal. Upon viewing, a thin suction tube is used to vacuum up ear wax or debris. Other instruments may be also be used to expertly pluck wax or debris from your ear.

2. What will happen during my appointment?

The aim of wax removal by microsuction is to safely and gently clear the ear canal of ear wax (cerumen) and other debris.
Your appointment will take approximately 15-30 minutes. Your Ear Nurse will explain the procedure. Please ask questions if you have any.
You asked to recline or lie flat and to remain very still. The nurse will look into your ear canal using a microscope. 
The nurse will direct vision and light using a small cone placed in your ear.
A small metal tube attached to a suction unit will be carefully placed in your ear canal.
The suction will make a windy noise.
Wax and debris will be gently and carefully removed.
Your nurse might use forceps, probes and other equipment if necessary.

3. What is the experience like?

People describe the experience as tickling with windy, squeaky, popping sounds. If your ear canal is sensitive or inflamed due to infection , it may at times be a little uncomfortable. You may feel dizzy momentarily if cold air comes into contact with your eardrum during suction. A light touch of your ear canal during the procedure might cause you to feel like coughing.
If you feel uncomfortable at any time during the microsuction procedure, please let the nurse know so he or she can ensure everything is okay.

4. How often should you have it done?

Every individual produces varying amounts and types of ear wax. Therefore the Ear Nurse will ask you some questions, and advise how often you should have your ear wax removed.

Additional charges apply for procedures, materials and nurse consults

New Patient visit - $100.00

CASUAL PATIENT FEES:

Non Residents - $139.50

Prices effective from 1 July 2023

Read our Standard Payment Terms and Conditions here.

The Cost of Health Care in New Zealand

Healthcare in New Zealand is a mixture of free services and subsidised services (where patients pay a fee to cover some of the costs). We will always try to ensure all our patients benefit from any funded services that they are eligible for.

Providing health care services and running a medical centre comes at a cost, including wages, building costs and medical supplies. Some services and fees, while subsidised, are in place to cover these costs.

Free and subsidised care is only available to New Zealand residents, with exceptions in some cases for visitors from countries like the UK and Australia as these countries have reciprocal agreements with New Zealand.

Ask our reception team if you think you may be entitled to a funded service for your visit.

Useful Information About Fees at The Doctors

General Practice Services

• Payment is due at time of consultation. Non-payment on the day will incur a $10 late-payment fee.
• All casual and non-enrolled patients are required to pay in full prior to their appointment.
• All fees are based on a single appointment, extended consultations may incur additional charges. Fees may vary due to the time taken and materials used.
• Medical consumables will be charged separately.
• Weekends, afterhours and public holidays will incur additional fees
• Accounts that are unpaid may be sent to Debt Collection. The debtor (patient) is responsible for all debt collection fees.
• Newly enrolled patients may require a double appointment for their first visit. A double appointment fee will apply.
• Four hours cancellation notice for a booked appointment is required. Non-attendance will incur a normal consultation fee.
• Our practice nurses are skilled professionals and there is a fee when you see them for advice or services.
• If you have a Community Services Card, you may be eligible for a reduced consultation or prescription fee.

Urgent Care Services

• Payment is required prior to your consultation. Fees may vary due to the time taken and materials used.
• Medical consumables will be charged separately.
• Weekends, afterhours and public holidays will incur additional fees.
• Accounts that are unpaid may be sent to Debt Collection. The debtor (patient) is responsible for all debt collection fees.