To our valued patient community,
First and foremost, we here at MHC, are all in healthcare to help people. We want to ensure that our Practice is financially sustainable so that we can continue to provide our services.
You will be aware that the whole of the health system is facing challenges currently, and primary care in particular has faced many years of underfunding with an outdated funding model. A government commissioned report concluded in 2022 that a funding uplift of 10-20% was needed to keep primary care viable. This is because the past 19 of 20 years capitation (our main source of government funding) has not kept pace with inflation, and we also were limited in how much we are ‘allowed’ to increase our fees
This year the capitation funding increase is 4%, but the government have signaled that practices can increase co-payments to $65 (which is the national average). Essentially indicating that this is the method to maintain viability of GP Practices across the country.
After much debate we have decided that $65 is not fair to impose on our patients. However, we will be implementing increases: $21.50 to $24.00 for 14-17yr standard consultations including ACC and $50.50 to $57 as co-payment for standard adult consultations including ACC. (Note doesn’t apply to Community Services Card (CSC) or under 14 yr. olds).
We realise that some patients may want to express their dissatisfaction with this fee increase. We would encourage to patients take the matter up with their MP to raise concerns on the chronic underfunding of primary care.
Yours sincerely
Marian Rillstone, General Manager and the MHC Board of Directors

Our practice is taking part in a national survey.

Over the next few weeks, you may receive an email or text message inviting you to take part in a patient experience survey about your recent experience at Mornington Health Centre.

The survey is voluntary and anonymous.

If you are contacted, please help us improve the quality of our service by completing the survey.

Ngā mihi nui, thank you!

Our renovations are progressing, and the front entrance will be closed off for the rest of the year.

The main entrance will be down the alley around the side of the building in the meantime.

It is accessible from the Glenpark Ave alleyway by the pedestrian crossing on Eglinton Road.

The waiting room is smaller so you may be offered a phone consultation instead.

We would appreciate it if you please minimise how many people you bring to appointments.

We value your understanding of this disruption.

The MHC Team

Influenza, “the flu”, can be anywhere and is easily spread through talking, coughing and sneezing.  Up to one in five people get influenza every year. Some people can get very sick with the flu while others may not know they have it as they do not feel unwell.  But they can still pass it on to other people and make them very sick.

Getting your flu vaccine is one of the best things you can do to stay well and protect yourself, your family and friends during this flu season.

The flu vaccine is now available, to book a vaccine with one of our friendly nursing team, please phone reception on 466 5011.

The cost of the Flu vaccine is $40 OR you may be eligible for a FREE flu vaccine if you fall under any of the following criteria:

• All people aged 65 years and over (Māori and Pasifika from 55 years)
• Pregnant people
• Some people with long-term medical conditions (includes diabetes, asthma, chronic respiratory disease, kidney disease, heart and autoimmune conditions).
• Children 4 and under who have been hospitalised for respiratory illness or with a history of significant respiratory illness.
• People with mental health and addiction issue

Did you know a GP appointment is for 15 minutes only and this includes time for the GP to write notes, send prescriptions/referrals or complete required paperwork.

Doctors are only able to thoroughly manage 1-2 issues per consultation.

If you think that you will need longer than 15 minutes with your doctor you may wish to consider booking a double appointment or making a second booking on a different day.

* Additional charges will apply to double appointments.

Spread sunshine this summer, not bugs. If you are sick, rest up at home.

Have you checked your medication lately? Do you need a repeat prescription to last you through the upcoming Holiday Season? 

Contact our reception team now and stock up on your repeat prescriptions before the Holidays!

At your next visit to the practice, you may notice things looking a little different.

Exciting new renovations have started, and you may hear some noise whilst they take place.

Keep an eye out at your next visit for pictures of what the practice will look like when the renovations are complete.

The MHC team are grateful for your understanding. We are committed to helping the community, committed to caring for you.

Measles may be in Otago and Southland! Are you and your whānau immunised?

Measles is highly contagious and can make you very sick. If you have not had 2 vaccination shots against measles, contact your local GP to book an appt, check if there is a vaccination clinic at your community provider or visit your local pharmacy.

If you are not sure if you are covered, its best to get immunised. Check the factsheet for more information, or call Healthline for free on 0800 611 116 to check symptoms.

www.wellsouth.nz/assets/Uploads/Vaccinations/Measles-Factsheet.pdf