The staff at Tahunanui Medical Centre aim to provide the families and community of Tahunanui with a friendly, comprehensive, healthcare service.
To ensure that our families receive consistent care, we promise to fit in any of our enrolled children (under 13 yrs) with a doctor, no matter how busy we are.
We are currently enrolling new patients and invite new and exisiting residents of Tahunanui to enrol with us.
Tahunanui Medical Centre is a progressive and committed team of health professionals who strive to give the best, research based, care possible, we believe in building healthy long-lasting relationships. We are a teaching practice who is Cornerstone Accredited. Cornerstone is an accreditation programme specifically designed by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners for general practices in New Zealand read more about Cornerstone
We wish you to feel relaxed while you are with us and you are welcome to talk to our doctors or nurses about any concern you may have. You are also able to bring family or whanau to support you when you receive any of our services; we welcome feedback to assist us improve our service.
Latest News
Have a Happy, Safe Holiday
For many the holiday period can be a fun filled array of travel, family time and festivities, but for others it can be stressful, overwhelming and lonely.
In an effort to keep those around you happy and safe:
- Be kind to your neighbours and look out for people who could be sad – a little homemade card can make someone feel they have not been forgotten
- Eat healthily – fresh berries and BBQ veggies are cheap and delicious
- Drink as much water as you do alcohol, it’s easy to drink too much – unfortunately mistakes & injuries are common after a few too many
- Be creative with presents, gorgeous things do not have to be expensive – it’s the thought that counts
- Take a walk or have a swim at our beautiful beach
- Watch the children around you when playing in or near water – it only takes a second for a little one to get into trouble
- Offer sunscreen to others and be a good example by covering up in the sun – Slip, Slop, Slap!
- Try not to get stressed and angry, family violence is common around Christmas time – get help before it gets out of hand
- Make sure you have enough medication to get you through the holiday period
Skin Update – Do you need a Full Skin Check?
Here in New Zealand we have the highest skin cancer rates in the world and at the Tahunanui Medical Centre we are able to offer a range of services to help prevent, detect and treat skin cancers. Early diagnosis of skin cancers lead to the best outcomes with most skin cancers able to be cured with early treatment.
It is important to get any skin spot that is changing in size, thickness, colour, shape or texture or that is irregular in shape checked out as soon as possible, especially if it is bigger than 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser). A spot or sore that itches or hurts, crusts or scabs, ulcerates or bleeds or fails to heal within 3 weeks should also be checked.
All our doctors are able to assess any spots you may be worried about, we utilise a range of techniques including dermoscopy (skin microscopy using a specialized scope) to assess skin lesions and are able to offer advice, monitoring and treatment of skin cancers and referrals to surgeons and dermatologists if required.
Some people are at a higher than usual risk of developing skin cancers and can benefit from a full skin check. This includes people with a history of skin cancers (melanoma and non-melanoma), high levels of sun exposure (or tanning bed exposure) especially those with outdoor jobs, people on immunosuppressant medications (e.g. after organ transplant) and people with a history of sun damage and sun burns. At the Tahunanui Medical Centre we are now offering 30 minute full skin checks which involves a head-to-toe skin check using a dermoscope, mapping of any concerning spots and digital photography (including dermoscopic photos) to enhance diagnosis and enable close monitoring.
We are fully equipped to offer minor surgery procedures including biopsy and excision of skin lesions. We also have liquid nitrogen for cryotherapy and an electrocautery/diathermy unit.
If you would like to book in for a 30 minute head-to-toe full skin check or would like more information including pricing please ring and speak to one of our receptionists (these appointments are currently not able to be booked through the online booking system).
Article written by Dr Katie Maver. Dr Maver has a special interest in skin cancer diagnosis and treatment. She has attained a Certificate in Dermoscopy through the Skin Cancer College of Australasia and is working towards further qualifications in this field.
References/Further information:
https://www.sunsmart.org.nz/skin-cancer
