Kia ora Koutou,

💉 Flu Season & Vaccinations

Flu season is upon us, and we are running flu clinics starting on Wednesday 8^th April. Appointments can be booked easily through the patient portal or by calling reception 

The flu vaccine is fully funded for:

• Everyone aged 65 and over 
• Patients with eligible medical conditions 

The vaccine is approved for people from 6 months of age. Children 6 months to 3 years inclusive receiving the flu vaccine for the first time require two doses, given one month apart.

For those not eligible for funding, the cost is $30.

 

👩‍⚕️ Supporting Future Healthcare Professionals 

Travis Medical Centre is a teaching practice, and we are proud to support and help train the next generation of healthcare providers.

We would like to warmly welcome Dr Anton Wood, who will be with us for the next 6 months as part of his GP training.

 

💻 Patient Portal – Easy Access to Your Health Information

Our patient portal is a convenient way to stay on top of your healthcare.

Through the portal, you can:

• Check your test results 
• View your upcoming appointments 
• Book appointments 
• Order repeat prescriptions 

It’s quick, secure, and available anytime. If you’re not yet signed up, please talk to reception—we’re happy to help get you started.

 

📞 Phone Consultations Available

We understand that the cost of petrol and day-to-day living can make it harder to attend appointments in person.

When appropriate, you can book a phone consultation with your clinician instead. This can be a convenient and cost-effective option for many routine matters.

Please speak with reception to see if a phone appointment is suitable for your needs.

 

💊 12-Month Prescriptions

If you are requesting a 12-month prescription, this must be completed through an appointment with your enrolled provider.

We are unable to process 12-month prescription requests through the repeat prescription service.

Please contact reception to book an appointment if you would like to discuss this with your clinician

 

💳 Help with Medical Costs – APs & WINZ Redirection

If managing healthcare costs is challenging, setting up an automatic payment (AP) or a WINZ redirection can help make things easier.

Regular payments toward your account mean:

• You will be exempt from administration fees 
• No awkward conversations about prepayment for appointments 
• Easier access to booking appointments and ordering prescriptions through the portal

If you’d like help setting this up, please speak with our reception team 😊

 

 

🚑 When to Call 111

It’s important to know when to call 111 for emergency medical help.

Call 111 immediately if you or someone else experiences:

• Chest pain or difficulty breathing 
• Signs of a stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty) 
• Severe bleeding or trauma 
• Loss of consciousness 
• Any situation where life is at risk 

If you are unsure, it is always safer to call — trained dispatchers will guide you on what to do next.

 

 

🤝 Need Help with Benefits or MSD Issues?

The Beneficiary Advisory Service is an independent, non-profit organisation based at Christchurch Community House.

They provide free advice and advocacy for low-income earners and beneficiaries across Canterbury, helping people understand and resolve issues with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD).

For support or more information:
📞 0800 00 00 43

 

👂 Ear Hygiene Clinic Reminder

A reminder that we offer an ear hygiene clinic every Wednesday afternoon with Jo.

If Wednesdays don’t suit, Jo is available every weekday, so we can usually find a time that works for you.

If you would like to book, please contact reception 

 

💉 COVID-19 Vaccinations Available at Pharmacies

COVID-19 is still present in the community, and vaccination remains an important way to protect yourself and others.

The latest COVID-19 vaccine is available, and we recommend visiting your local pharmacy to receive it.

Current recommendations are:

• High-risk groups: booster every 6 months 
• Lower-risk individuals: booster annually

If you’re unsure what’s recommended for you, your pharmacist can help guide you.

 

🏡 Christchurch Rates Rebate Scheme

Don’t forget—applications are now open for the Christchurch City Council Rates Rebate Scheme.

If you’re on a low or fixed income, you may be eligible for a rebate to help reduce your rates bill. It’s quick and easy to apply, and even a partial rebate can make a real difference.

We encourage you to check your eligibility and apply soon so you don’t miss out.

Apply for a rates rebate: application forms | New Zealand Government

 

🌷 Wishing You a Happy Easter

Please note our clinic will be closed over the holiday period.

If you need medical attention you can contact:

• Pegasus Health – available 24 hours for in person consultations
• Virtual Practice Plus – for virtual consultations 
• Healthline – for advice over the phone 

Stay safe and enjoy the holiday with your family and friends!

 

Kia ora koutou,

Welcome to 2026 🎉

As we step into 2026, we’d like to wish all our patients a very happy New Year. We’re looking forward to another year of delivering high-quality care.

Changes to Clinician Working Days

As part of our ongoing service planning, there will be some changes to clinician working days.

Dr David Pilbrow	Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday (am) and Thursday
Dr Cameron Bell	Monday, Tuesday (am), Thursday and Friday
Dr Katey Yeowart	Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday
Dr Arthur Collins	Monday (pm), Tuesday (am) and Wednesday
NP Mark Santry	Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Dr Shona Logue	Monday, Wednesday and Thursday
Dr Lauren Teape	Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (am)
Dr Grace Chignell	Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

 

Welcome to New Team Members

We’re delighted to welcome new staff to the Travis Medical Centre team:

• Dr Grace Chignell will be joining us from 26 January 2026.
• We also extend a warm welcome to Robin Wilson, who joins us as a Nurse Prescriber.
• Dr Anton Woods joins us for 6 months us our Registrar Doctor.

 

📝 Longer Prescriptions for Stable Long-Term Conditions

From the 1^st February 2026 longer prescriptions for patients with stable long-term conditions maybe possible. This can reduce the need for frequent repeat requests while ensuring your care remains safe and appropriate.

Who may be eligible?

You may be considered for a longer prescription if:

• Your condition has been stable for 6 months or more
• You do not require regular monitoring
• Your medication is approved for longer prescribing
• You agree to an annual review with your clinician

How it works

• Medicines are dispensed every 3 months
• All repeat prescriptions must be collected from the same pharmacy

Your clinician will talk with you about your health and treatment before deciding whether a longer prescription is suitable, and how long your prescription should last.

If you think you may be eligible, please discuss this with your clinician at your next appointment.

 

✨ New Year, Good Time to Plan for the Future – Advance Care Plans

The start of a new year is the perfect time to think about what matters most to you — including your health and future care. An Advance Care Plan (ACP) is a way to record your wishes about medical treatment and care, in case there comes a time when you’re unable to make decisions for yourself.

Why have an Advance Care Plan?

• It ensures your healthcare preferences are respected.
• It provides guidance for family and medical staff in difficult situations.
• It gives peace of mind, knowing your wishes are documented.

What does an ACP involve?

• Discussing your values and priorities with your doctor, family, or a trusted advocate.
• Recording preferences about treatments, hospital care, resuscitation, or palliative care.
• Reviewing and updating your plan as circumstances or wishes change.

Creating an ACP is not just for older adults — anyone can benefit from having their healthcare preferences known and respected.

📞 Start your ACP today: Contact our reception to book a conversation with one of our Nurses. Planning ahead can help you and your loved ones feel more prepared for the year ahead.

 

🌿 Wellbeing Wednesdays – Chair Yoga 🪑

Take some time out mid-week to relax, stretch, and reset with our Chair Yoga sessions.

When: Wednesdays, 1.30 – 2.30pm
 Starting: Wednesday 18 February 2026
 Where:
Parklands Community Centre
Parkview Lounge
77 Queenspark Drive

💚 Cost: Free for enrolled patients

Join our Chair Yoga class — a gentle movement and relaxation session with chair-based stretches and calming breathing exercises. Suitable for all abilities.

Run by the Travis Medical Wellbeing Team

📞 Please contact reception to register your interest.

 

👂 Ear Clinic – Wednesday Afternoons

Are blocked ears or hearing changes bothering you? Our Ear Clinic runs every Wednesday afternoon and offers safe, effective ear care. 

Cost:
• $50 – Gold Card & Community Services Card holders
• $60 – All other patients
• $80 – Children aged 5–13 years

The suction technique is a modern, water-free method that is precise, comfortable, and clinically recommended.

📞 Appointments are required — please contact reception to book or book through our portal.

 

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to caring for you throughout 2026.

 

Warm regards,
The Travis Medical Centre Team