WINTER NOTICE
As the winter season embraces us, we hope you are staying warm and healthy.
Winter is the peak season for Flu and other Respiratory illnesses, leading to a high demand for appointments.
Please remember that despite our best efforts, demand may sometimes exceed our capacity, particularly during this busy season.
We appreciate your kindness and patience toward our staff, fellow patients, and those around you.
While we strive to accommodate everyone promptly, routine, and non-urgent issues may experience delays.
Missed appointments (DNA's) have a significant impact on our ability to provide timely care. If you can no longer attend a scheduled appointment, please contact reception as soon as possible so that we can offer the appointment to another patient in need.
Haven't had your 2026 flu vaccine yet?
Book in now to help protect yourself, your whānau, and our community this winter
Call reception to arrange an appointment with one of our nurses. For more details, visit the "More" tab at the top of the screen and select Immunisation
Aotearoa is at high risk of a measles outbreak - click here for more information
ADHD Assessments:
Our clinic will not be offering ADHD assessments for the foreseeable future.
If you would like to pursue an ADHD assessment, we encourage you to book an appointment with your GP to discuss a referral to an appropriate specialist service. We will continue to provide ongoing prescriptions for ADHD medications for patients who have already completed a formal assessment and have an established diagnosis.
💊 Changes to Prescription Lengths in 2026
From early 2026, the maximum duration for many prescriptions in New Zealand will increase from 3 months to up to 12 months, where clinically appropriate.
Requests for 12 month prescriptions will require an in-person review with your GP.
Patients who are issued a 12-month prescription will be encouraged to book a double appointment (30 minutes) for their Annual review.
This allows the GP adequate time to review medications and carry out a full clinical assessment.
A standard appointment may not always allow enough time to discuss several concerns. We encourage patients to raise any health issues as they arise,
rather than waiting until their Annual review, as this helps us assess concerns early and provide timely care.
For more information click here
Covid-19 and Flu Symptoms Guidelines - Please DO NOT enter the waiting room if you know you are COVID-19 positive.
We offer a convenient and efficient 4-in-1 test, similar to a Covid-19 rapid antigen test but with added benefits.
This test detects four different viruses simultaneously: Covid-19, Influenza A, Influenza B, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
This comprehensive testing allows for quick and accurate identification of the specific virus causing your symptoms, enabling timely and appropriate treatment. By testing for multiple viruses at once, healthcare providers can make better-informed decisions, improving patient care during the respiratory illness season.
Important information for patients:
Patients exhibiting flu-like symptoms will be asked to wear a mask to reduce the risk of transmission.
We recommend performing a Covid-19 Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) at home. If you test positive, a phone appointment will be arranged initially.
If you do not have a RAT available, please ask reception about the 4-in-1 test, which is available for $9.50.
We are committed to protecting patients, staff and our community and we appreciate your ongoing support.
Autumn/Winter Wellness Tips
Embrace the season with these healthy habits:
- Frequent hand washing – helps in preventing the spread of germs and illnesses.
- Flu vaccine – helps to protects you from the influenza virus.
- Stay warm & wear layers - Wearing a scarf around your mouth is helpful when you are outside in the cold. If you breathe through your nose,
- Take Care of Your Mental Health - Take nature walks. Weather permitting, schedule time during the day to enjoy nature. With the compounding lack of sunshine during the winter months, this can often contribute to depression. Remember that it is just as important to take care of your mental well-being as well as your physical well-being.
- Healthy Eating - It is important to fuel your body with vitamins and nutrients. Fruits and vegetables are rich in both these and will help boost your immune system. You can also add flavor to your water with hot or cold fusion herbal teas. Water has been found to thin the mucus in your lungs, so your body is able to remove it easier.
Mairangi Medical Centre has provided "cradle to grave" medical care to families and individuals for over 40 years. We offer personalised general practice care, as well as specialised services such as travel consultations, minor surgery, ear suctioning, visiting podiatrist, and counselling appointments.
