The Doctors Birkenhead

The Doctors Birkenhead Medical Centre

 

Please note - Greencross Head Office have introduced a new policy regarding payments for appointments at the practice - they would now appreciate you paying prior to your appointment on arrival at the practice - thank you for your understanding

Welcome to our practice

We specialise in general practice services focused on supporting you with maintaining your wellness.  Our doctors provide a range of family health services focusing on the whole family. Our practice nurses provide valuable support in maintaining health with women's health services, immunisations, flu vaccinations, cardio-vascular checks and diabetes annual reviews.

To limit the number of people in our waiting room we encourage you not to bring a support person into the building unless exceptional circumstances, and if required should be limited to one person only. If you have any concerns, please let our team know when making your appointment.

The Doctors App is now live – download today!

  • Book and manage appointments quickly
  • Request repeat prescriptions
  • View lab test results 
  • A summary of your health information
  • Passcode, touch/facial recognition – no more forgetting your username and password!

  1. It’s easy, scan this QR code to download or find ‘The Doctors’ on Google Play or the App Store

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  1. Select ‘create account’ and enter our special invite code: BIRK
  2. Enter your details – quick tip, your name, DOB, and phone number needs to match what we have on file in your enrolment.

While The Doctors App is best experienced on your phone/tablet, it can also be accessed on your computer. You can use the above invite code to create an account online.

WIN a Samsung Galaxy A22 mobile phone!

Download the app and register today to enter the draw. It’s easy!

Find out more here about the App, including the prize draw Ts & Cs and how to get help or support.

Covid-19 Tests & Results
If you have Covid-19 symptoms or are a household contact of a positive case please visit the NRHCC website to find your closest testing station as we have limited capacity currently. Most testing is now done via Rapid Antigen Testing (RATs) with results available within 30mins. You will need to self-report your result via My COVID Record or by calling 0800 222 478 and pressing option 3. The majority of positive cases will be able to self-manage and required to follow current isolation rules. If you have concerns or if your symptoms are worsening, call us on 09 419 2180 or 111 in an emergency.

Managing a Positive Result
Click here for managing a positive result and your symptoms at home.

Covid-19 Vaccinations
Click here for details.

Consults
Most consults are virtual (phone or video), with some in person if required. Phone 09 419 2180 to book and tell us if you have any Covid-19 symptoms. We will explain what to do when coming into the practice. Please wear a mask at all times (unless you have an exemption).

Choice of appointments and how to book them

 
In Person
 
Video
 
Phone

Enrol With Us

We warmly welcome new patients

When you enrol with us, some of the benefits include:

  • Reminders and recalls for important health management
  • Pay less to see the doctor than non-enrolled patients
  • Access to our online patient portal to book appointment, order repeat prescriptions and to view lab test results
  • There is more information here about why it’s great to be enrolled

Enrol Online

There’s no need to come into the clinic, you can enrol online - it’s secure and confidential. The online form will guide you and you will need to upload suitable identification:  

Enrol Here Online

After the enrolment form please complete an online medical questionnaire before your first visit:

Adult Medical Form   Child (>16) Medical Form

Paper Enrolment

Paper enrolment forms are still available if you're not able to complete the online forms. For each person enrolling, simply print and complete:  the Enrolment Form, an Adult or Child Medical Questionnaire and email all files to birkenheadoffice@bh.thedoctors.co.nz including a copy of your suitable identification

Not enrolled but need an appointment? 

You can still get an appointment here even if you are not enrolled with us e.g. if you’re a visitor to the region. Just phone our friendly team for a casual appointment. Extra charges apply for casual appointments when you are not enrolled.

Online Patient Portal

  • Book and manage appointments quickly
  • Request repeat prescriptions
  • View lab test results
  • A summary of your health information
  • Great way to connect with us, your general practice team
  • Passcode, touch/facial recognition – no more forgetting your username and password!

Download The Doctors App

  1. It’s easy, scan this QR code to download or find ‘The Doctors’ on Google Play or the App Store

Qr code

Description automatically generated

  1. Select ‘create account’ and enter our special invite code: BIRK
  2. Enter your details – these must match what your practice holds on file

While The Doctors is best experienced on the app, it can also be accessed online. You can use the above invite code to create an account online.

Our Services

Our Services

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

Flu Vaccinations

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

Request Flu Vaccine Booking

Women's Health

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.

Men's Health

Youth Health

  • 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.

Long Term Condition Care and Support

  • 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

Medicals

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

Minor Surgery

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.

Respiratory Health

  • Asthma and COPD care
  • Spirometry

Sexual Health and STIs

Confidential consultations

Travel Health - Vaccines and Documents

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.

Ear Suctioning - at Hauraki Corner

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.

Standard Hours

Monday to Friday:  8am - 6pm
Closed weekends and all public holidays  

Outside of our normal hours you can call our number 09 419 2180 and be connected with our after hours service which is monitored by registered nurses who can give you advice.

You can also present to Shore Care at Smales Farm which is an Urgent Care clinic, they are open 24/7. Phone 09 486 7777

If you have a medical emergency, call 111

 

Patient Fees

Standard GP Consultation - Enrolled Patients

Age Fees
0  - 13 years FREE
14 - 17 years $40.00
18 - 64 years $70.00
65+ years $70.00

Additional charges apply for procedures, materials and nurse consults

New Patient visit - $100.00

CASUAL PATIENT FEES:

Age                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Fees                                                                         
0  - 5 years $72.00
6-13 years $92.00
14-17 years $106.00
18+ years $121.00

Non Residents - $139.50

Prices effective from 1 July 2023

Read our Standard Payment Terms and Conditions here.

Standard Payment Terms and Conditions

The Cost of Health Care in New Zealand

Healthcare in New Zealand is a mixture of free and subsidised services, where patients pay a fee to cover some of the costs of providing healthcare services.

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 where New Zealand have reciprocal agreements. Ask our reception team if you think you may be entitled to a funded service for your visit or have any other questions on our fees.

Useful Information About Fees at The Doctors

  • Payment is due the day of consultation or service - prior to your appointment.
  • Repeat prescriptions must be paid for before the prescription is issued or sent to a pharmacy.
  • 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 may only be set up with the approval of the Medical Centre Manager.
  • Accounts that are unpaid will be sent to Debt Collection. The debtor (patient) is responsible for all debt collection fees.
  • Normal consultation charges apply to Virtual or Phone Consultations.
  • 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.
  • If not paid in full an additional $10.00 fee will be charged for all age groups

Our Team

Mandeeps Manage  
  • Laura Painter - NP

    Laura Painter - NP

    Laura joined The Doctors Birkenhead in 2021. She has worked in primary care since 2005, and in 2022 qualified as a Nurse Practitioner. She is passionate about all areas of primary care, but has a particular interest in paediatrics, women's health issues, and diabetes. She enjoys parenting her 4 children, fitness, and reading. 

    Laura is accepting new patients

     

  • Dr Malcolm Lyons

    Dr Malcolm Lyons

    Malcom joined The Doctors Birkenhead in 2018. He is an experienced GP, particularly in injury management and minor surgery. He also works at The Doctors Fred Thomas & Hauraki Corner from time to time.

    Malcolm has a specialist interest and qualification in Herbal Medicine, and enjoys collaborating with his patients regarding nutritional approaches to their health. In particular he has an interest in metabolic medicine in relationship to chronic disease and eating styles. He has recently developed an interest in management of intractable thyroid dysfunction and some chronic diseases by looking at the gut microbiome.

    Malcolm is accepting new patients.

  • Glenis - Nurse Team Lead

    Glenis - Nurse Team Lead

    Glenis started with us in 2017. She splits her time between all the regular nursing duties including immunisations, dressings, diabetes and asthma management, spirometry, liquid nitrogen, and general health advice, and overseeing the nursing team.

    Glenis also completes cervical smears for women not needing to see the doctor.

  • Dr Keshan Xie

    Dr Keshan Xie

    Keshan joined The Doctors Birkenhead in 2016 and has passed her GP fellowship exams with just her final in-clinic assessment to do in 2020.

    Keshan is accepting new patients. 

  • Dr Elizabeth Chesterfield

    Dr Elizabeth Chesterfield

    I am a vocationally registered General Practitioner. I trained at Auckland University and chose to go into general practice as I really enjoy forming long term relationships with my patients and providing healthcare in a wider context. My work encompasses all areas of general practice, including minor surgery, IUCD/Mirena insertion. Paediatrics is a favourite area. I have three young adult children, two of them are still living at home. Outside of work I enjoy bushwalking, gardening and handicrafts.

Latest News

Respiratory Infections

Click here for info on symptoms, treatment and when to seek help for respiratory infections
 
 

What Happens to my Test Results

Click here for info on why tests are requested and how you will receive your results

Your Feedback

<span id="Contact-Us">Your Feedback</span>
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  • We welcome your feedback and always strive to provide the best care and advice.  Let us know how we did. If things didn't go the way you wanted there may be something we can do to help put it right.

    1.  Online form direct to your medical centre

    2.  Or email our Clinical Advisory Team

    • If your feedback is of a sensitive nature or involves medical centre management*, please contact Green Cross Health directly by emailing feedback.medical@greencrosshealth.co.nz directly. You will receive an acknowledgement within 5 working days. 
    •  
    • *Please note, once we have contacted you, we will ask for your permission to share information with centre management to resolve your complaint and improve our services.

    3.  Or for more information and other ways to give feedback, you can also contact:

General Enquiry (Please do not send clinical queries via this form. You will need to book an appointment via the online portal or phone reception to book)

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