New Cervical Screening Program

From 12th September 2023 the cervical screening program is changing to a more accurate and simpler test which will be every 5 years instead of every 3 years.

The new test involves a 'swab' rather than an internal examination.

This requires a nurses appointment instead of seeing the doctor. Please book an appointment with nurse Mani by ringing the surgery or booking through your patient portal.

This will attract our usual fee for a nurses appointment but there is funding to make this free for certain groups (eg, Maori, Pacific, Community Service Card Holders)

For more information on this new cervical screening test please click here.

Influenza, Covid, Meningitis & Measles vaccination News

There is a lot happening in the immunization space at the moment.
Below are updates on the following…

  • Influenza Vaccinations – when & how will they be available and who they be free for.
  • Covid Boosters – the new bivalent vaccination, who should receive it & how to get it.
  • New meningitis vaccination – who now qualifies for it and what is it all about.
  • The current NZ measles outbreak – is this relevant to you?

Drive-by Flu/Covid Booster clinic Saturday 1st April and Sunday 2nd April 9am to 4pm – call to book 033588266

 

Influenza Vaccinations

Flu vaccines will be available from 1st April 2023. As in previous years we will be running our popular drive by clinics as well as offering the vaccine with your usual face to face appointment.

The full criteria for funded flu vaccination from 1st April 2023 are:

  • All children aged 6 months to 12 years of age
  • Māori and Pasifika aged 55 years or older
  • All adults aged 65 years older
  • People aged under 65 years with listed high risk medical conditions such as heart, lung or kidney disease, diabetes, cancer, mental health conditions, other chronic illnesses.
  • Pregnant women (any trimester)

Children under 9 years of age who have not previously received flu vaccine will need two doses - given four weeks apart to gain full immunity for 2023.
Flu vaccine can be given at the same time as other vaccines, including COVID-19.
Please call 033588266 to book.
For more information on influenza vaccination click here

Covid Vaccines and Boosters

 The new bivalent vaccine, which covers two strains of the Covid virus is available from 1st April 2023 and is available for -

  • Anyone aged 30& over who has completed their primary course (2 doses) & boosters
  • Anyone aged 16 & over who has had their primary course (2 doses) but not yet had a booster
  • People aged 16 years and over who have had a primary course & have a chronic medical condition, or a disability with complex health needs or multiple comorbidities.
  • In addition, everyone over 5 years are entitled to free Covid-19 vaccines.
  • Children under 5yrs with chronic illness are also entitled to free Covid-19 vaccines.

NOTE : Boosters can only be given to people whose most recent COVID-19 vaccine or positive COVID-19 test was at least 6 months ago.

NOTE : The first two doses are called a “primary course” and the third dose is called a “booster”. This can be confusing so if you are not sure what you qualify for, please ask.

For more information on Covid Vaccines click here

Meningitis B Vaccination (Bexsero)

We are very happy that the government has decided to fund this vaccine for all children under 5 years of age and for young people in boarding situations.

Meningitis can be caused by several bacteria and viruses and most of these are already included in the current childhood vaccines, however, previously there was no cover for the meningococcal B bacteria. This has now been included and the brand name for this vaccine is Bexsero.

  • If your child is under I year these vaccines can start at age 3 months and can be given at the same time as the other usual childhood vaccines.
  • If your child is 1-5years they can start at any time.
  • If you are aged 13-25yrs (inclusive) and are entering within the next three months, or are already living in boarding school hostels, tertiary education halls of residence, military barracks, or prison, the vaccine can be given now.

Please call 03 3588266 for more information or to book.
Paracetamol is recommended before this vaccine for children under 2 years of age.
For more information on Meningococcal vaccines click here

Measles Mumps and Rubella

 Two doses of MMR (Measles Mumps and Rubella) vaccination are required for full protection.
If you are born between 1989 and 2004 there is a strong possibility that you have only had one vaccine.

The National Immunisation Register does not go back to 1989 so the only way to find out how many vaccines you have had is to look in your plunket book or to access your GP records from that time. Your GP records from that time may have been forwarded to your current GP but that is not always the case.

If you cannot establish if you have definitely had two MMR vaccines it is best and quite safe to have an extra vaccine, which is free.
Please call to book 033588266

New Virtual After Hours Care Option

When you are unwell out of our normal business hours, currently you would attend the Pegasus After-Hours clinic.
This option is still available but if you would prefer to be seen in the comfort of your own home we can now offer a new virtual after-hours consultation service for our patients. This is run by NZ registered general practitioners and known as "Practice Plus". They will keep us informed and send us details of their consultation with you

The service operates Weekdays 5-10pm and weekends 8am to 8pm.

There is the option to wait in line for the first available doctor, or to book a specific time slot (the cost is the same)

The pricing for the virtual consultation is as below.

14 years and over $65.00 ($19.50 with Community Services Card)
13 years and under $55.00 ($19.50 with Community Services Card)

On booking virtual appointments, you will be asked to enter your credit or debit card details, however your card will not be charged until your appointment is completed.

If you would like to know more about Practice Plus and how it works, please check out their website. There is a short video that explains how Practice Plus works https://practiceplus.nz/
There is also a frequently answered questions page.

To book your Practice Plus consult click here.
Please note that if you have our MyIndici patient portal you do not need to register with Patient Plus - you can use your MyIndici user name and password to access it.

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

For the latest New Zealand wide up to date information click here for the Ministry of Health website.

FAQ - What can I expect from Kendal Medical Centre during COVID19 Level 1?

We are continuing to offer all our usual General Practice services in line with the Ministry of Health’s recommendations and the precautionary requirements of level 1. 

What should I do if I have a cough, cold or a fever?
Do not attend the surgery unannounced, if you or your child have a cough, cold, sore throat or fever. Please ring us first.
It is possible that your appointment will be initially be an assessment  by video or telephone, or we may ask you to wait in your car when you arrive. This may be followed by a face to face review if deemed necessary.
You can also ring Healthline on 0800 358 5453 if you wish.

Can I have a COVID test at Kendal Medical Centre?
Yes. We are able to test for COVID19 for people either with or without symptoms.
We are also able to do COVID PCR testing for travel purposes, although there is a charge for this.

If I am well, am I able to book an appointment?
Yes. Video and telephone consultations are still available for your convenience, along with face to face appointments where necessary.
If you are significantly unwell please do not delay in seeking medical attention.

What do I need for a video consultation? Do I need zoom or skype?
For a video consultation you need either a computer with a camera, or a telephone with a camera. You do not require a special application, such as Zoom or Skype. 
When you book your video appointment, we will send you a text which contains a link for you to click on a couple of minutes before your appointment time. This will open itself into a “Virtual waiting room”. You will be asked to allow/enable the camera and the microphone. Click “yes” to both and then you will be asked to enter your name. Then you just wait and the Doctor will join you. We always try to connect to you on time but sometimes delays are unavoidable and we do apologise for this. 
It is easier than it sounds but if, for some reason, the connection is not working, we will telephone you.

What should I do if my child is due their immunisations, or if I want a flu vaccination?
All routine childhood immunisations, as well as flu vaccinations have continued to be given during all levels of lockdown as long as you do not have a cough, cold or fever. We are still able to give adult vaccinations in your car if you prefer not to come into the building.

Do I need to wear a mask when I come to the surgery?
Yes. Masks are still mandatory in health care facilities. We will provide you with one if you do not have your own.

I am due for a test, eg. Cervical smear or blood test. Should I still have this done?
Yes. Important health screening activities, like cervical smears, mammograms and diabetes check ups were recommenced at level 2.

Are blood tests still available at the surgery?
Yes. However, if we are very busy you may be asked to attend the laboratory or book your blood test for a later time.

Can I bring other people with me to my appointment at the surgery?
You are welcome to bring your support person but because of the need to limit the number of people in the practice, please avoid bringing your whole family if possible.

What does social distancing look like at Kendal Medical Centre?
Upon entering the front door there is a stop sign where we would like you to wait while we ascertain the purpose of your visit. There are three areas in the waiting room, marked with crosses where you may sit. If these are occupied we may ask you to wait in your car.

Can I get a repeat prescription?
Yes, in most cases this is possible. Please order your prescriptions from your MyIndici portal or the ”Prescriptions” page on this website. For your convenience we can email your prescription to your chosen pharmacy.

How do I pay my account at Kendal Medical Centre?
We are attempting to make all payments contactless, so our preference is through your patient portal or by internet banking to 02-0820-0545719-02 (please reference the payment with your name). If this is not possible for you, we do have eftPos available at the surgery. Sorry, we are unable to accept credit card payments.

How are the staff at Kendal Medical Centre going to stay safe?
We are attempting to look after ourselves, and our patients, by following the recommended guidelines we have described above and those provided to us by the Ministry of Health. We may be wearing masks, gloves and gowns when you attend. Please do not be offended if we sit further away from you than we usually would.

Thank you for your understanding and we encourage you all to continue to wash your hands and maintain social distancing as much as you can, especially from vulnerable people.

The Pegasus 24 Hour Surgery has moved

The Pegasus 24 Hour Surgery has moved from Bealey Avenue to 401 Madras Street. This is an exciting new purpose built, state of the art health facility, developed by Pegasus Health for the people of Canterbury.

The telephone number remains the same, 03 3657777 and a map of the new location can be found here.

HPV vaccinations

The good news is that from January 2017 the government has decided to fund HPV vaccinations (Giardisil) for both boys and girls under the age of 27. It gives protection against various forms of cancer.

This vaccination is usually given at age 11 but can be given at any age if you or your child missed out.

The vaccine is highly recommended and for more information please visit the Canterbury District Health Board website, the Medsafe Govt website or talk to your nurse or doctor.

Please make an appointment for your HPV vaccination by calling 03 3588299 or by sending us a message

 

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Zika Virus
To find out everything you need to know about Zika virus click here .

66 Kendal Avenue
Burnside
Christchurch 8053
New Zealand

 

Email info@kendal.co.nz
Telephone 03 3588266
Facsimile 03 3588214
Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm