- I will be away from the surgery from Friday 23rd December 2011, returning on Monday 9th January 2012 in order to have some family time. The surgery will however open during this time (apart from weekends and statutory holidays) with a locum GP available for consultations, as well as the Practice Nurse as normal.
- During Statutory Holidays normal "after hours" arrangements apply, namely emergencies should use the 111 system or attend the Hawera Emergency Department (ED) and urgent problems that cannot wait until the practice re-opens should access the A&M clinics in New Plymouth -see a/h options.
- Please do not used the Hawera ED as an alternative to obtaining GP advice (either at the surgery or at an A&M clinic), as this makes access for those with emergencies more difficult and most Medical Officers either don't have General Practice training or will not give GP advice as this is not the function of an ED.
- If you are not sure if you should attend the ED or travel to New Plymouth, you should feel free to contact 0800 Healthline (0800 611 116) and a trained nurse will advise you. General After-hours advice will always be available 24/7 by ringing the surgery at (06) 2785189.
- Maternity patients needing urgent attention should contact the Maternity Unit - phone (06) 2789911. Bernadette Winks will be available for any LMC cover.
If you will need a repeat of your regular medication during the Festive weeks, contact the surgery well before then so you will not run out! However, during my absence your regular pharmacy may supply a short "extension" for regular medications only.