Question 1

Community Nurse Prescribers

Accepted Answer

Sore throat or ears, chest infection, UTI? Our prescribing nurses can diagnose and treat.

Our highly trained nurses hold additional qualifications that permit them to see patients for a range of medical conditions and prescribe medications for treatment.

A nurse appointment may be sufficient when you or a family member is suffering from seasonal illness like cough and cold symptoms, sore throat, sinusitis, painful ears and ear infections, skin infections, eczema, headlice, conjunctivitis, mastitis, STIs, UTIs (female only), if you’re seeking advice about contraception, or need help with quitting smoking.

If you’re unsure, ask our reception team whether your appointment needs to be made with a doctor or a nurse.

Question 2

Peadiatrics

Accepted Answer

“A person is a person no matter how small” - Dr Seuss

As a family medical practice, we welcome babies and children.

Our first contact with your newborn is often for the six-week check, a detailed examination and discussion about health – your baby’s and yours too.  We measure and weigh your baby, beginning a record of growth that we add to over the following months and years. Your baby will also receive six-week vaccinations, the first in a series of childhood immunisations which protect against serious illnesses.
As a parent, you’re always welcome to see us if you have feeding or developmental concerns, and of course, we will always see a sick child as quickly as possible. Even if an appointment is not available, we will fit urgent cases into our schedule.

As your child grows into adolescence there may be physical or mental health concerns which we can help you manage. Our long record of caring for families makes us competent and confident about what we offer; however, we always refer our patients to specialist care when appropriate.

Question 3

Preventative Health

Accepted Answer

Our aim is to empower you to manage your own health throughout your life. This process starts with individualised patient risk assessment, and a plan for proactive screening and care.

Cardiovascular (CVD) and stroke risk, mental wellbeing, skin checks, bowel screening, breast screening and mammograms, cervical screening, and prostate screening are recommended to help prevent the development of serious illness. As well as utilising these valuable tools, along with age-appropriate vaccinations, we’ll work with you to address personal, individual health concerns.

Our team will proactively remind you when you are due for an investigation or checkup. These are important to maintain your wellbeing and to monitor progression of existing medical conditions.

Question 4

Contraception

Accepted Answer

Our nurses and doctors are always here to discuss sexual health and contraceptive advice, including emergency contraception.

The combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) continues to be one of the safest contraceptives, preventing unplanned pregnancy and causing only minor, if any, side effects for most women.

Mission Bay Doctors also offers insertion of long-acting contraceptives (LARC), including the copper and Mirena intra-uterine contraceptive devices (IUCD) and the implant Jadelle.

Further information about LARC contraceptive options please click here: Contraception Clinic | Mission Bay Doctors

Question 5

Menopause

Accepted Answer

Hormonal changes which accompany menopause can cause significant symptoms including hot flushes, night sweats, sleeplessness, heart palpitations, decreased libido, depression, anxiety, and a dry, painful vagina.

But menopause is also a milestone in the healthspan of every woman. We work alongside our patients, helping to make it a time to look positively at overall health, and ways you can enjoy and sustain a high quality of life.

Please visit our dedicate website www.healthyhormones.co.nz for more information and you can also  find reliable information about menopause at Health Navigator.

We encourage you to see us to discuss strategies for managing troublesome symptoms with high-quality therapies.

Question 6

Skin

Accepted Answer

Early detection of melanoma and other skin cancer is the most important aspect of its management.

Our GPs are trained in dermoscopy (examination of the skin using a skin surface microscope), allowing very early signs of melanoma and other skin cancer to be identified.

We offer 'spot checks' of single or a few skin lesions you may be worried about, or full body skin checks.

We provide immediate feedback and advice during your consultation. If a concerning lesion is found, you will be able to discuss the treatment options and next steps during your appointment.

For those with a history of melanoma or other skin cancer, or at high risk (e.g. history of sun exposure, multiple moles, fair skin) we recommend an annual full skin check. Early detection and treatment allows the best chance of cure.

If your doctor finds a skin cancer, or a precancerous lesion, we can treat it on-site with cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen), topical creams, or an excision. Skin excisions are minor surgery, performed using local anaesthetic. Samples are sent to the laboratory for precise diagnosis. Our nurses provide follow-up wound care and you’ll be recalled for regular skin screening.

Question 7

Travel Medicine

Accepted Answer

We recommend you plan for safe and healthy overseas travel. Begin by booking a travel consultation with your doctor six to eight weeks before you set off.

We’ll look at your immunisation record and ask you where you’re going. Provide us with as much information as you can, then we’ll be able to give you relevant, detailed advice.

Here’s a short checklist of helpful points to cover with your doctor:
·       Where are you going and for how long?
·       Will you travel through both urban and rural areas?
·       What type of accommodation will you stay in?
·       What activities are you planning?

Your doctor will advise you about the vaccinations you need. Some travel vaccines are given over a number of doses, so it’s helpful to start them well ahead of your travel date. See our reception team to book vaccination appointments with our nurses.

We can also suggest reputable online resources for you to learn other valuable pre-travel information. Know about risks or health alert updates for your intended destinations, whether you’ll need water purification tablets, details you might need to check about the cover provided by your travel insurance policy, what to do if you’re visiting a place where altitude sickness can occur.

Question 8

Mental Health

Accepted Answer

There is no health without mental health.

Wellness Consultations:
At Mission Bay Doctors we want to keep you well. Rather than only treating illness, we aim to ensure your continued physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

Mental Health Nurse
Our specialist mental health nurse, Sonya, offers one-on-one clinics specifically for youth and adult mental health support. She holds a Mental Health and Addiction in Primary Care credential, working with each of our GPs to help patients who are dealing with problems including depression, anxiety, addiction, self-harm, and eating disorders.  Sonya will work alongside you to understand what’s important to you and collaborate on a plan to tackle life's challenges.

How to Make an Appointment 
Appointments with our Mental Health Nurse cost $75 for 30 minutes. Book by calling reception.

Question 9

Practice Nurse Services

Accepted Answer

Book a nurse appointment for a dressing change, suture removal, liquid nitrogen treatment, an injection, a cervical smear, or a blood pressure check.

Our nurses liaise closely with our doctors at all times. A quick call to our nurses will clarify anything you’re uncertain about.

Our practice does not contact patients when test results are normal. But if you have an abnormal test result, for a cervical smear or a blood test, our nurses will contact you as quickly as possible. Through MyIndici, your online medical record, you will be able to view your own test results once they’ve been seen by your doctor.

Question 10

Phone & virtual consulations

Accepted Answer

For your convenience we offer video and phone consultations with all our doctors and nurses. 
You can book by calling reception or by using MyIndici, your online medical record.

With almost 50 years in General Practice, we have resources and expertise to manage and treat a broad range of health conditions. Mission Bay & Remuera Doctors offers personal, family, and community-based comprehensive primary healthcare.

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