Kia ora Koutou,

Welcome to Our New Team Members

We are delighted to welcome two new members to the Travis Medical Centre team.

Katie has joined us as our new Healthcare Assistant. Katie will be supporting our clinical team, supporting both patients and staff to help ensure your visit runs as smoothly as possible.

We also welcome Alana, our new Health Improvement Practitioner (HIP). Alana provides free support for patients experiencing stress, anxiety, low mood, or other challenges impacting their wellbeing. If you feel you could benefit from speaking with Alana, please ask your GP or contact reception to find out more.

 

📅 Missed Appointments (DNA – Did Not Attend)

We are currently experiencing a high number of missed appointments (DNAs). With appointments in high demand, it is frustrating when appointment times go unused, as they could have been offered to another patient needing care.

If you are no longer able to attend your appointment, please let us know at least 2 hours before your scheduled time. This gives us the opportunity to offer your appointment to someone else.

Please note that a $20 fee will apply to all missed appointments (DNAs), regardless of the patient’s age, where sufficient notice has not been given.

Thank you for helping us make appointments available to those who need them.

 

Bone Health 🦴

An adult human body has a total of 206 bones.

Our skeleton provides structure, protects our internal organs and enables us to move.

Our bones are active, living tissue made up of cells, blood vessels, proteins and minerals. They are continually being strengthened and renewed in a process called ‘remodelling’. Osteoclasts are cells that break down old bone, while osteoblasts make new bone. At any age we should look at ways to think about our bone health, so we can live an independent life well into old age.

Small changes to our lifestyle can make a difference and reduce our risk of developing osteoporosis (a condition where our bones become thin and fragile, increasing our risk of having a fracture).

Ways we can protect our bones include moving our bodies regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking or drinking too much alcohol (no more than 2 alcoholic drinks per day, with at least 2 alcohol days per week) and eating a balanced nutritious diet with adequate protein and calcium. Also by making sure our homes are free from any hazards that may cause us to fall.

If you are wanting to look at ways to become more active or improve your diet, you can book a funded appointment with Kirsty, Travis Medical’s Health Coach.

If you want to know your personal risk of osteoporosis you can take the “know your bones” self -assessment, just click on the link: https://www.knowyourbones.org.nz/

 

Patient Portal Update 💻

We are aware that some patients are experiencing difficulties logging into the patient portal.

We understand how frustrating this is and have raised the issue with MyIndici. They are aware of the problem, and we appreciate your patience while it is being resolved.

If you need assistance accessing your health information or booking an appointment, please contact our reception team.

🔒 Your Privacy Matters

At Travis Medical Centre, protecting your personal and health information is one of our priorities.

We have recently updated our Privacy Policy to reflect current privacy requirements and to ensure we continue to meet our obligations when collecting, using, storing, and sharing your personal information.

Our Privacy Policy explains:

• How we collect and use your personal information.
• When we may share your information with other healthcare and community providers.
• How your information is kept secure.
• Your rights to access and request corrections to your health records.

A copy of our full Privacy Policy is available on our website, or you can request a printed copy from reception at any time.

 

💊 Prescription Requests

To help us process prescription requests safely and efficiently, please allow three working days for repeat prescriptions.

Where possible, prescriptions are written by your enrolled clinician, who knows your medical history best. As our clinicians do not work every day, allowing sufficient time helps ensure your prescription can be completed by the appropriate provider.

Thank you for planning ahead and helping us provide safe care.

🩺 Southern Cross Members

If you are a Southern Cross member, we can claim in-person consultations and telephone consultations directly with Southern Cross.

Please note that prescription fees cannot be claimed directly by the practice. You will need to pay and then submit your receipt to Southern Cross for reimbursement.

Nurse Telephone Advice ☎️

Our experienced nursing team provides valuable telephone advice and support, often helping patients manage their concerns without needing a GP appointment.

Please be aware that some nurse telephone consultations may incur a small fee. If a charge applies, we will let you know.

Thank you for recognising the expertise and care our nurses provide.

Meet with Kirsty – Our Health Coach 🧘🚶

Kirsty, our Health Coach, offers free wellbeing support for enrolled patients.

She also runs:

• Swimming every Friday afternoon at QE2’s Hydrotherapy pool.
• Walking Group every Thursday morning.

If you would like to join either group or book an appointment with Kirsty, please contact reception or book through the patient portal.

Sharee –Our Social Worker 🧑‍🤝‍🧑

Are You Receiving All the Support You’re Entitled To?

If you’re receiving support from Work and Income (MSD) or you are unsure whether you are getting all the assistance you may be entitled to, our Social Worker, Sharee may be able to help.

Sharee can provide information about benefits, allowances, and other support that may be available, and assist you with navigating the application process.

If you would like to discuss your situation, please contact the practice and ask to speak with Sharee, this is a free service for our enrolled patients.

Free Cancer Screening 🎗️

Breast Screening

Free mammograms are available every two years for women aged 45 to 69 years.

Bowel Screening

Free bowel screening is available every two years for eligible people aged 58 to 74 years.

You will automatically receive a free bowel screening kit in the mail around the time of your eligible birthday.

To check your eligibility, visit the Health New Zealand website.

Introducing AI-Assisted Clinical Note-Taking

Some of our clinicians are using a secure AI-assisted clinical note-taking tool during consultations.

This technology helps clinicians accurately document your consultation, allowing them to spend more time focused on you and less time typing notes. Your clinician always reviews and approves the notes before they become part of your medical record.

Patient privacy and confidentiality remain our highest priority, and the tool complies with New Zealand privacy and security requirements.

Remembering Jo🌼

It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our much-loved colleague Nurse Jo, in early July.

Jo was a valued member of the Travis Medical Centre whanau whose kindness, compassion, and dedication touched the lives of many patients and colleagues over the years.

We know many of our patients will remember Jo fondly, and we thank everyone who has shared their kind words and support with our team during this difficult time.

As winter continues, remember to look after yourself and those around you. 

Keep warm, stay active, and don’t forget to book your flu vaccination if you haven’t already. 

 

Thank you for choosing Travis Medical Centre.

 

 

 

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!