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.

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

Kia ora Koutou,

The inaugural Measles Immunisation Week (MIW) runs from 3–7 November 2025 — a great reminder to check your vaccination status and make sure you’re protected.

You can easily check your immunisation record in your patient portal:

• Go to the Immunisations tab
• Look for the vaccine coded as MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) or Morbilli or Priorix
• Or check your Plunket/ Tamariki Ora book

• Or check your vaccination record anytime in My Health 👉 https://login.health.nz/

Who may need vaccination:

• Age 70 years or older: No MMR vaccination needed.
• Mid-50s to 60s: Very unlikely to need vaccination, though it can be considered if travelling to high-risk countries.
• Adults younger than mid-50s: You should have had two documented doses of MMR or have laboratory-confirmed measles.
• If you’re unsure or have only one dose recorded, you can receive MMR.
• Doses need to be given at least 4 weeks apart.

• Current Childhood Schedule: 1^st dose 12 months, 2^nd dose 15 months.

💉 Need a Vaccination?
If you need a vaccination, please phone to book a Nurse appointment.  You’ll be asked to wait for 20 minutes afterwards.  If you can’t make it to Travis MC, Unichem Prestons Pharmacy also offers the MMR vaccine and is open on weekends for your convenience.  For most people it is funded.

https://www.immune.org.nz/factsheets/measles

A friendly reminder: if you have a fever or flu-like symptoms, please wait in your car when you arrive. This helps keep our other patients safe.

🎄 Holiday Closure Notice

Our practice will be closed from midday on Wednesday, 24 December 2025, and will reopen on Monday, 5 January 2026.

Please note:

• No prescriptions will be written during this time.
• Please be organised and request any repeats well in advance.

👋 Staff Farewells

We are farewelling two valued team members:

• NP Sue Price will be leaving us at the end of November. Sue has been a valued member of our team since Dec 2020. Her patients and colleagues will miss her greatly, and we wish her all the best in her retirement.
• Nurse Nicky, after 15 years with our practice, is moving to help set up a new General Practice. Her dedication and care over the years have been truly appreciated, and we wish her every success in this next chapter of her career.

💊 Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
If you’re experiencing symptoms such as a burning sensation when peeing, frequent urges, or lower abdominal discomfort, if you are 16-65 years you may be able to get help directly from your local pharmacy. Many pharmacies can assess uncomplicated UTIs and provide treatment promptly, helping you feel better quickly. If symptoms persist or you have more than 3 infections in 6 months, make sure to follow up with your GP or nurse practitioner for further care.

🌟 Wellbeing Over the Holidays
The holiday season can be a joyful time, but it can also bring stress or feelings of overwhelm. If you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or just need support, remember you don’t have to cope alone. Reach out for help and access local mental health services anytime: https://mentalhealth.org.nz

🩺 Skin Checks
Regular skin checks are important for detecting changes early. Certain clinicians at our practice offer a 30-minute skin check appointment. If you’d like to book one, please call reception to arrange a time.

Ngā mihi o te Kirihimete me te Tau Hou ki a koutou katoa! Wishing you and your whānau a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year. May this festive season bring joy, and wonderful moments with those you love.