The Doctors Silver Fern

The Doctors Silver Fern Medical Centre

Welcome to our practice

The Doctors Silver Fern is temporarily closed due to staff shortages - all staff are working from our other clinic The Doctors Huapai until further notice.

 The Doctors Silver Fern is a general practice medical in the Waimauku community with an excellent team of dedicated GPs and practice nurses.  It is our aim to provide quality individual and family health care, with a focus on the importance of a strong relationship between patient and healthcare provider. We are part of a family of practices including The Doctors Waimauku only 120m walk away in Waimauku and The Doctors Huapai medical centre in the next town. We are also proud to be Cornerstone Accredited. Consultations are by appointment only and we appreciate your understanding that as a rural practice, sometimes there are delays due to urgent medical need or emergencies. In addition to standard services we also offer driving medicals, family planning and pregnancy, sexual health, and pharmacy. 

Our enrolment capacity is currently limited

Please phone or email reception to discuss availability. In the meantime we welcome you to join our waitlist. Thanks for your understanding.

Covid-19 Tests & Results
Testing demand is extremely high so we are currently only offering Covid-19 tests to our enrolled patients. If you are enrolled and you have Covid-19 symptoms or are a household contact of a positive case please phone us to arrange your test. 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 09 411 5222 or 111 in an emergency.

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

Covid-19 Vaccinations
Phone us on 09 411 5222 for 5-11 year olds, standard vaccines and boosters. Please note this is currently only available for enrolled patients.

Consults
Many consults are virtual (phone or video), with some in person. Phone 09 411 5222 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.

Choice of appointments and how to book them

 
In Person
 
Video
 
Phone

Enrol With Us

Our enrolment capacity is currently limited

Please phone or email reception to discuss availability. In the meantime we welcome you to join our waitlist. Thanks for your understanding.

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 form. For each person enrolling, simply print and complete:  the Enrolment Form, an Adult or Child Medical Questionnaire and email all files to reception.silverfern@wm.thedoctors.co.nz including a copy of your suitable identification

Not enrolled but need an appointment? 

You can still get an appointment 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

Are you registered for the online portal?

When you’re enrolled with us you can register for this portal, called Health 365. Then, any time you like 24/7 you can:

  • book appointments
  • request repeat scripts
  • view lab test results

Phone reception 09 411 5222 to start your registration

Our Services

Adult and Child Medical Care

Your GP's surgery is far more than a place to go when you are feeling unwell and needing a quick cure. The doctor who sees you has gone through an extensive medical training to equip her or him to help children and adults of all ages with a range of physical and emotional difficulties. GPs are at the centre of the healthcare hub and will be aware of services and expertise that are available locally and further-a-field. GPs are also aware of the link that stress and unhappy life events have on physical health so know when to suggest a talking therapy rather than medication.

Waimauku Doctors is a traditional Family Medical Centre offering care from conception to end of life.

All our staff live locally and several have worked here since close to when the original practice opened over 30 years ago.

The area around Waimauku is unique in its wild west coast beaches and forests. It offers Aucklanders a varied and fulfilling lifestyle from farming, winegrowing, adventure tourism, horsing activities, fishing, cycling, hang-gliding, surfing, lifestyle farming and raising Kiwi kids to name a few. As the only local surgery, we are experienced in dealing with the effects of all these activities and enjoy caring for this energetic and caring community.

As there are no close hospital accident departments, we are experienced in dealing with trauma and emergency within the primary care setting.

The surgery is purpose built and modern offering plenty of parking and easy access.

We have a pharmacy, Waimauku Village Pharmacy www.waimaukupharmacy.co.nz, counselling services  and beauty therapists within the centre.

Minor Surgery

Minor surgery is commonly provided in primary care practices, providing fast, competent removal and biopsies of skin lesions. Other services include cosmetic work such as removal of benign moles and skin tags. Ingrown toenail surgery is also commonly provided. 

These conditions do not need to be referred to a hospital, perhaps saving you a long wait or a cancelled appointment when a more serious case takes priority. 
If your doctor is unable to provide the procedure you need, he/she may know a neighbouring GP who does. Otherwise, the PHO will have a list of GPs trained in particular operations.

  • Skin lesion removals
  • Skin cancer assessments
  • Vasectomy
  • Ingrown toe nail surgery

Repeat Prescriptions

Each GP surgery or primary care practice will have its own procedure for repeat prescribing but the following rules are common to most, if not all. Patients who are well-known to the practice who have a stable condition like asthma, hypertension or diabetes could be allowed to get a repeat prescription for up to six months. Repeat prescriptions are never given to patients who are not known to the practice and there is probably a blanket ban on repeats for narcotics and other drugs that could be misused as doctors are expected to monitor these drugs carefully.

We are happy to do phone scripts for medicines that patients are stable on. There is also the ability to request a repeat prescription for regular medication through our patient portal.

We prefer to see all patients within a 6 month time frame. We will not prescribe this way if more than a year has elapsed since a consultation has taken place. This is a medico-legal requirement. It may be necessary to come in for a consultation with the nurse or Doctor before a repeat script can be given.

In the event you have run out of necessary medication completely and if you are a known patient of ours and the Waimauku Pharmacy, the Pharmacist can issue an 'emergency supply' for 7 days only. You must then ensure you contact us to initiate your repeat script.

  • Allow 24 hours for checking and issuing
  • It is preferable that scripts are paid for when ordered, to avoid a charge at the end of the month
  • We do not email scripts

Women's & Men's Health Checks

 

Long Term Condition Care & Advice

 

Vasectomy

If a man decides he does not want to father children, he may choose to have a vasectomy which is a simple and effective method of sterilisation.  During this surgical procedure, the vas deferens (the tubes carrying sperm from the testicles to the penis) are cut. A vasectomy can be carried out in a doctor's surgery and takes between 30 and 60 minutes.

This service is offered by Dr Harry Hillebrand who has over 20 years experience with vasectomies.  A consultation with Dr Hillebrand is required before making an appointment for the vasectomy procedure. Vasectomies can be scheduled out of routine surgery hours if requested.

Please contact the surgery to arrange your appointment and discuss costs.

Lab Results

Sometimes your doctor needs to take a sample of blood or urine either to discover what is wrong with you or to measure something in your blood so that the right medication is given to you. These tests could be anything from blood sugar to a full blood count or a sample of tissue to test for cancer.

While urine can generally be tested in the surgery, blood and other specimens are usually sent away for testing at a laboratory. Most results come back within 48 hours unless a very rare test is needed which has to go to a specialist lab further away when it might take a little longer.

For abnormal results the practice nurse or doctor will attempt to contact you; a current cell phone number is preferable.

We do not notify you if your results are normal.

Using the Patient Portal is an ideal way to view your recent lab results, but they will not be displayed in the Portal until they are back from the laboratory and viewed/actioned by the Doctor/Nurse. This can take up to 5 to 10 days depending on the test ordered.

Results are only given to the adult patient they pertain to unless there is prior arrangement for someone else to phone.

Liquid Nitrogen

Liquid nitrogen is a fast, effective treatment provided in many practices to treat viral warts, sun damaged skin, skin tags and many benign cosmetic lesions. It comes in a container with a nozzle and is usually applied by swab or spray. Often one treatment is all that is needed but sometimes it may need repeating after two weeks.
Because it cannot be stored for too long, you will often find that your GP will treat a number of patients one after the other. 

We have liquid nitrogen available every day.  Nurses can administer this after consultation with the doctor.  It is an excellent therapy for some warts, sun damaged skin and many other types of benign skin abnormality. Healing usually occurs without scarring.

For more information click here.

IUCD Insertion

An Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD) is inserted into a woman’s uterus to prevent pregnancy. Depending on the type of device, it will need to be changed after between three and five years.  
One particular brand of IUCD is often used to reduce heavy bleeding during periods. 

Mirena insertion by Dr Hillebrand and Dr Boorsma.

Immunisations

Immunisations are provided at all primary care practices and are one of the most important services they provide. Immunisation has led to the decline of many lethal diseases including meningococcal B meningitis.

The National Immunisation Schedule offers a series of vaccines free to babies, children, adolescents and adults. Visit the Ministry of Health website here to find out what vaccines are on the Schedule and when they are given.  Additional vaccines are provided free for certain eligible groups considered to be at high risk because of other medical conditions; find out more here . These and other vaccines such as travel vaccines can be purchased by other people if they want them.

Immunisations are given by a practice nurse or doctor, having ensured beforehand that the person is not ill or suffering from allergies. Risks associated with immunisation are very rare.

Children have their own document to keep a record of these injections. Under the age of 5 this is usually their Well Child/Tamariki Ora My Health Book. The immunisation record may need to be shown, for example, when starting school or early childcare. The staff will also record the immunisation details on New Zealand’s National Immunisation Register. This computerised information system holds details of all immunisations given to children here and will alert families when immunisations are due.

Full childhood, teenage and travel vaccine service offered.

From July 1st, 2017 the Chickenpox Vaccine will become part of the schedule at 15 months. Any child born after April 1st, 2016 is entitled to this free. Any children born before April 1st, 2016 who have this vaccination, will be charged $85.00. 

If you anticipate overseas travel that requires travel vaccines, we encourage you do so 6 weeks before you leave if able.

Cervical Smears

All women who have ever been sexually active should have regular cervical smear tests every three years between the ages of 20 and 70. This includes women who have been immunised against HPV. This test detects abnormal cells which, if left untreated, could become cervical cancer. Very often these cells are made abnormal by a human papillomavirus (HPV) which is a sexually transmitted virus. Regular tests and treatment reduces the likelihood of this sort of cancer by around 90%. 

For more information about cervical smear tests click here to the National Screening Unit website.

All doctors can perform smears at Waimauku Doctors. If you would prefer we also have a Nurse smear taker at Waimauku Doctors and also at our other site Silver Fern Medical.

ECG

An ECG is a recording of your heart's electrical activity. Electrode patches are attached to your skin to measure the electrical impulses given off by your heart. The result is a trace that can be read by a doctor. It can give information of previous heart attacks or problems with the heart rhythm.

We have state of the art equipment with integration into patient record software.

Spirometry

Spirometry is available at Waimauku Doctors. It is a tool that measures how effectively your lungs are working. It is able to show how much air lungs are able to hold (their volume) and how much air can be breathed in and out (inhaled and exhaled) which is called flow. This tool is used to assess damage caused by conditions like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – a group that includes bronchitis and emphysema), pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis and asthma. Results are shown on a graph called a pneumotachograph.

For more information click the link here.

Travel Health

Another service offered to you at your GP surgery (primary care practice) is Travel Health advice and immunisation before you go to another country. While you are likely to have the immunisations needed to live in New Zealand, there may be other injections you need to protect yourself before going for example to Africa or South America. In some places you will need protection from rabies or malaria. Yellow fever vaccinations are only available at approved centres; please click here to view the centres in the Auckland region. Your doctor will be able to tell you what diseases you will need to be protected from in any named country and advise you on other medical matters. 

Ideally 6 weeks before travelling is a good time to get your vaccinations.

Well Child/Tamariki Ora Health Checks: 0-3 Years

All New Zealand children are entitled to 11 free health checks from birth to three years. The checks aim to ensure that children are growing and developing as well as possible. Included in the checks are clinical assessment, health education and family/whanau support.

Baby checks are at birth and then at 24 hours, five days and around 2-4 weeks. Babies are weighed and measured to ensure that they are developing correctly. These sessions provide a great opportunity for parents to ask questions from an expert and have any problem addressed; difficulties with breastfeeding or sleep for example. They can also be used to discuss immunisations and vaccinations. These checks will be carried out by your lead maternity carer (LMC).

Between the ages of 4-6 weeks and three years, there are seven core health checks available, typically these are around 4-6 weeks, 8-10 weeks, 3-4 months, 5-7 months, 9-12 months, 15-18 months and 2-3 years. These checks may be carried out by a Well Child Provider of your choice e.g. Plunket, Maori health provider, community nurse, a general practice team (doctor and practice nurse). Your LMC will be able to give you a list of Well Child Providers in your area.

More information about Well Child services is available on the Ministry of Health website.

Waimauku Doctors is very keen to promote good child health. All our nurses are trained in child development and advice. We also have baby scales and length measures.

Standard Hours

Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm
Closed weekends and all public holidays. These time may be subject to change.

After Hours: We  have an after hours roster of local committed practices for our enrolled patients.  We use Procare Nurse Triaging through Homecare Medical Ltd. Please phone the practice number (09) 411 8094 for advice. Your call is answered by a registered nurse who will triage and if required the nurse will then call the local duty doctor. There are additional fees for out of hours consultations and home visits.

Waitakere Hospital (open 24 hours), or North Shore Hospital (open 24 hours). Our palliative care patients are cared for by the doctors at our surgery 24 hours a day and may contact the palliative care team (09) 8349755 or phone the doctors directly on their cell phones.

If you have a medical emergency, call 111

 

Patient Fees

Enrolled Patient Fees

Age Regular Fees CSC Fees
0 -13 years FREE FREE
14 – 17 years $45 $13.00
18 - 24 years $45 $19.50
25+ years  $65 $19.50
 

Standard nurse consultations $40.00

Saturday surcharge is an additional $22 for all patients. 

Overseas visitors to NZ will be charged $110. Payment for overseas visitors and casual patients is expected prior to consultation.

Payment is expected on the day of consultation unless other arrangements have been made.

Effective 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

Other Service Fees

Service                                                      Standard                                  
Repeat Prescription $28.00
Controlled Drug Prescription $20.00
Same Day Prescription $40.00
Blood pressure $22.00
ECG $47.00
Liquid nitrogen $27.00
Complex wound management/dressings                                  $35.00
Excision of skin lesions (multiple excisions at Doctors discretion)                                    $400.00
IUD insertion  $105.00
Jadelle insertion $157.50
Driving License Medical $95.00
Smear $42.00

 

Standard nurse consultations $40.00

Saturday surcharge is an additional $22 for all patients. 

Overseas visitors to NZ will be charged $110. Payment for overseas visitors and casual patients is expected prior to consultation.

Payment is expected on the day of consultation unless other arrangements have been made.

Effective 1 July 2023

Read our Standard Payment Terms and Conditions here.

 

Pay Online

Good news, paying online is easy. 

You can pay securely using a credit or debit card or internet banking (Account2Account payments) - just click below to make a payment.  Payment is due on the day of your appointment. In addition to paying online you can pay in person at the centre with cash, eftpos and credit card.

Make a Payment

Our Team

Latest News

Fighting the Winter Bugs

Click here for our latest newsletter and what is going on in our practice to meet your needs.

Your Feedback

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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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