February Newsletter

We hope you have had a wonderful summer break and are ready for 2026! The team at Westmere Medical Centre is are looking forward to caring for you during the next year.

 

Clinical changes

There are two significant legislative changes our government are implementing from 1 February 2026, please read below around prescription duration changes and GP ADHD diagnosis assessment. 

 

New staff

We are thrilled to welcome Kendal Haynes, who is joining our nursing team from 1 February 2026 and to have the experienced Dr Lesley-Anne Moore return to our GP team. 

 

CHANGES TO PRESCRIPTION DURATION  

From 1 February 2026, some people with stable, long-term conditions may be able to get prescriptions that last up to 12 months. Our goal is to provide excellent quality, safe medical care.

 

Please note we anticipate only a small number of patients are expected to qualify for 12 months, and some medications such as controlled drugs are unable to be prescribed for longer periods due to legislation. Many medications require regular monitoring (like blood tests or blood pressure checks) and have possible interactions or side effects.

 

If you would like to discuss if you could qualify for a longer prescription length, please make an appointment with your regular GP (or discuss at your next appointment) for assessment.

 

Every patient has different risks and together with your doctor, it will be discussed what is safe and appropriate for your individual medical care depending on the stability of your conditions, your medications, and other factors. Your GP remains responsible for the prescribing of your medication and safety is paramount.

Please note your prescription interval may change at any time if your medical condition, medication, or dose changes due to care from our practice, other doctors, or nurse practitioners or prescribers.    

If you get an extended script length, we request you follow up with an in-person medication appointment at either 6 or 12 months depending on your agreed plan. Please make a separate or extended appointment if you have other medical care or issues to ensure all your health needs are met.

 

Pharmacy collection/pick up

There are no changes, you will collect your medicines in 1-3 monthly repeat instalments depending on your medicine from the same pharmacy for your repeats, unless your doctor prescribes a shorter interval.  

If you need a different pharmacy there may be a prescription cost.

 

GP ADHD DIAGNOSIS ASSESSMENTS - ADULTS 

From 1 February 2026, adult patients aged 18 years and older will be able to see specialist GPs and Nurse Practitioners with an interest and additional training in ADHD for ADHD diagnosis and special authority application of stimulants.    

This is awesome news for people who have been stuck on specialist waitlists for many months. The change will mean better access, fewer barriers, and more care happening closer to home.

Please note that appointments for ADHD assessments will be longer and cost more than regular GP or nurse appointments as they are not funded by the government. There are no changes to children or adolescents 18 years or younger and they will continue to require a diagnosis by either a paediatrician or psychiatrist.

At this stage Westmere Medical Centre unfortunately does not have the capacity to offer this service, however we are actively pursuing how we may offer this in the future. 

 

Our GP’s will continue to prescribe and manage ADHD stimulant prescriptions as we already do, following diagnosis and special authority application from specialists or other qualified health practitioners.

 

Current Measles outbreak in NZ

What is Measles?

  • Measles is a very infectious viral illness (easily spread from person to person) that can lead to serious complications for tamariki and adults.

  • The measles virus lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person and can be easily spread through coughing and sneezing.

  • Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your whanau and community from catching and spreading measles.

Symptoms of Measles

  • An illness that begins with a high fever (over 38°C), cough, runny nose and sore red eyes (conjunctivitis), a rash beginning on the face and gradually spreading down the body to the arms and legs. The rash lasts for up to one week

Are you up to date with you immunisations?

  • Getting two doses of the MMR vaccine after 12 months of age protects 99% of people from measles.

  • If you’re unsure of your immunity, you can call the clinic and speak to one of our nurses. The Vaccination Helpline on 0800 28 29 26 can also check vaccinations for children and young people.

For more info and updates check out the Healthify website.

Download the myIndici 2.0 app today

So you can:

  • Book appointments online

  • Order repeat prescriptions

  • Check results*

  • Check health recalls

  • Check your immunisation record

  • Download copies of invoices and receipts.

*If you would like to add your children (0-15years) to your portal please contact reception. Please note children’s test results/consult notes are unable to be accessed via the portal.

Dr John Cameron’s Farewell Letter

On 31st  August 1987, a keen, young, brash doctor commenced consulting at the Westmere Medical Centre. Now, after 38 years of the privilege of working with the people of Westmere, it is time for that no-longer young, but possibly still brash, doctor to hang up his stethoscope. This email is to inform you that I will be retiring from active consulting at the Westmere Medical Centre as of 29th August 2025.

Working in General Practice at Westmere has been an absolute privilege and I owe those enrolled in the practice a huge debt of gratitude in allowing me to be involved in not only their health concerns, but also their lives over the last 38 years. General Practice is the most fulfilling occupation there is and, although I still absolutely love the job, the time has come for me to, hopefully gracefully, step aside.

Having sold the practice two and a half years ago to a group of clinicians and staff who work in the clinic, I have been totally happy with the amazing work they have done, and I am absolutely sure that the practice is in superb hands and will continue to grow and develop further in the future. I totally endorse all the clinicians working in the practice and I am sure they will take up the cases I am currently involved with and provide ongoing expert care.

I will definitely miss the contact and friendship of many of the patients who have travelled with me on my journey through General Practice and it is going to be very hard for me to give up this part of my life. It is also going to be hard for me to say goodbye to you over the coming weeks. But there are still many more rivers to fish and cricket games to watch so hopefully I will not be at a loose end in the future. I have offered to provide locum cover for staff absences over the next year or so, but this will only be on a temporary basis.

In conclusion, thank you all for allowing me to be part of your lives over the last 38 years. It has been a blast, and I feel totally privileged in having been given the honour of working with you all. So, thank you for your trust and faith in me over the years. It is very much appreciated. There will be a message book at Reception if you want to drop me a personal note on your way through the practice.

He aha te mea nui o te o?

He tāngata he tāngata he tāngata

               

Thank you all

Dr John Cameron

Are your immunisations up to date?

There are currently cases of Measles, Pertussis (Whooping Cough) and Covid in the community. If you are not sure, please call the clinic on 09 3786280 and option 3 to speak to a nurse.

Flu vaccines are now available

From Tuesday 1 April, the 2025 flu vaccine is free for:

  • everyone 65 years of age and older

  • those under 65 years with high risk of severe illness, including:

    • long-term conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease

    • reduced immune function

    • pregnant people

    • mental health conditions such as schizophrenia or those currently accessing mental health and addiction services 

    • children under 5 years of age who have been hospitalised for respiratory illness or have a history of respiratory illness.

You can book your flu vaccine via the myIndici patient portal or by phoning reception on 093786280.