Coronavirus (Covid-19)
17th August 2021 Update - Lockdown Level 4 from 11:59pm tonight.PLEASE be patient and phone before presenting. We have systems in place to make sure everyone is looked after and kept safe.
Our front door will be locked but we will be available for phone consults, repeat prescriptions and covid testing. Expect prescriptions to be faxed to the pharmacy. At this point, ordering medications earlier than required is not necessary.
July 2021 Update - We continue at Level 1.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms: cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, sneezing, post nasal drip, loss of sense of smell or fever, it is imperative you let our staff know. We have a separate room away from our main building for assessing patients with cold and flu symptoms.
Phone consultations remain available and are a useful option in many cases.
Please continue to use your NZ Covid Tracer App, wash your hands and if unwell, stay home.
Covid testing continues to be available.
COVID-19 vaccine - Oak House Medical Centre supports the New Zealand government’s COVID-19 immunisation program as current research data shows the Pfizer vaccine is safe and effective for patients.
We are not currently taking appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations, but we will update you as soon as we have more information.
Flu vaccines are available for everyone now. Please phone the surgery to arrange a time.
For the latest Covid-19 information see the Ministry of Health website.
For Covid-19 health advice and information about self isolating, contact Healthline on 0800 358 5453.
Practice Background
Oak House Medical Centre is a fully independent General Practice surrounded by its own gardens and provides a friendly and easily accessible service. Nestled under the grand old oak trees at the end of Queen Street it is easy to see where the name comes from. The emphasis is on a stress-free visit, and with plenty of parking and with a large staff for the practice population we aim to provide timely, high quality care. Established in 1992 it was taken on by the current owners Barney and Marion Clayton in 2008 when the founding doctor moved away to Christchurch.Newly renovated, the practice now contains six consultation rooms, an emergency/surgical suite and extended waiting areas.
Appointments
A standard appointment time is 15 minutes. However, some services require more time. These include but are not limited to Cervical Screening, Driving Licence Medicals, ECGs, Immunisations, Travel Consults, Minor Surgery/Procedures, Molemate. Please let staff know at the time of booking so the appropriate time can be allocated and you can be given an idea of the extra cost that may apply.
Emergencies will be seen as they arise. These take priority over booked appointments and we appreciate your patience when this happens.
Fees for Service
Payment is expected on the day of consultation.
A detailed price list of current fees can be found at reception.
We are pleased to be offering the new rates for current Community Card Service holder from 1st December 2018. This includes not only general medical visits but also ACC consults.
Unpaid accounts will be sent to Aorangi Debt Collection and collection fees may be incurred.
Test Results
You can expect feedback on all test results ordered by your clinician.Some results will take longer than others to be returned from testing.
We will contact you either by phone, letter or SMS (txt message). If you prefer your results via SMS please check your cell phone number is entered and correct.
Test results can only be given out after they have been viewed by a GP – preferably the one who ordered them.
If you have not heard back and think you should have, phone the surgery to enquire.
After Hours Service
Oak House Medical Centre provides its registered patients with overnight GP cover Monday – Thursday inclusive. The weekend cover is shared with Waimate Medical Centre. Full cover (5:30pm Friday – 8:30am Monday) continues for our registered population on the weekends we are on call. Every other weekend the cover is 8am – 8pm. If you call outside of those hours you will be referred to Timaru Public Hospital.
To access the after-hours service call 03 689 7676. You will get an automated message indicating you’ve reached the after-hours service. This is run by Homecare Medical in Auckland who employ registered nurses to triage your needs and advise you on further care.
In a medical emergency dial 111.
Complaints
Oak House Medical Centre aims to provide a consistently high standard of service. If you feel we’ve failed to meet your expectations and/or wish to make a complaint, our Practice Manager, Vanessa Morgan can be contacted on the surgery number.
Patient Advocacy
The following numbers will give you access to information on your rights:
Advocacy Service: 0800 555 050
Health and Disability Service: 0800 11 22 33
Privacy Commissioner: 0800 803 909
Interpreting NZ: 0508 468 177
Your Rights
You may wish to have a chaperone to be present at time of a consultation.
You may like to seek a second opinion.
You can expect to receive information and time to allow you to make a fully informed decision before deciding on any service or treatment.
Test results vary in the time it takes for them to return to your GP. We will provide feedback for all testing requested. If you hear nothing phone the surgery to follow up.