Hastings and Havelock North Health Centre Newsletter September 2024
Dear Patients and Whānau,
Changes to rangatahi / youth funding for those aged 14 – 24 yrs of age
Hastings Health Centre (HHC) have been advised by Te Whatu Ora, that as of the 1st September 2024, changes are being applied to the rangatahi/youth funding across Hawkes Bay.
The funding for GP or Nurse consultations in general practice for all rangatahi/youth, aged between 14yrs – 24yr group will no longer be available for all. New eligible criteria have been applied, and will be restricted to the following:
- Must currently reside in Hawkes Bay and aged between 14yrs – 24 yrs:
- Are Māori and/or Pacific, or
- CSC card holders and/or those residing in Quintile 5 areas, or
- Have been diagnosed with one of the following long term conditions:
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Cystic Fibrosis / Bronchiectasis
- Asthma requiring immunotherapy (Omalizumab, Mepolizumab, Benralizumab)
- Cardiovascular disease
- Congenital / Genetic conditions
- Auto immune Disease – Ulcerative Colitis, Crohns Disease, Juvenile RA
- Bipolar / Schizophrenia
- Previous admission to the Mental Health Unit in past 24 months
- Neurological
- Cancer
- Kidney Disease
For all other rangatahi/youth, this unfortunately means that there will be charges for consultation:
At the HHC Urgent Care – funding for rangatahi/youth is restricted to the following:
- Must currently reside in Hawkes Bay, and aged between 14yrs – 24 yrs and:
- Are Māori and/or Pacific, or
- CSC card holders and/or
- Currently resides in Quintile 5 areas
It is important that you understand that this change is being applied to all General Practices across Hawke’s Bay, and we are all very disappointed. Please appreciate that our staff do not have any ability to influence change on this decision, so please do not direct anger or frustration towards our staff. If you would like to feedback regarding the changes to funding for our rangitahi/youth, please direct feedback to Health Hawkes Bay or contact Health NZ / Te Whatu Ora. Website details below.
https://www.ourhealthhb.nz/news-and-events/latest-news/rangatahi-change-of-service
How to contact us – Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
September is Mammogram and Cervical Screening Awareness month:
September is Mammogram and Cervical screening awareness month, and the 1st birthday of the HPV self-swabbing that commenced in 12/9/23.
Mammograms – Free 2-yearly mammography for women aged 45-69. Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in New Zealand. Talk with you GP or nurse about breast screening.
The mobile screening bus will be in Flaxmere at the Cook Island Community Hall from September 16th-26th. No appointment required.
Cervical Smears – All women between 25 and 69 who have ever been sexually active should have regular 3-yearly smear tests. With regular cervical screening any changes on the cervix can be detected and treated before they become cancers. If you have not had a cervical smear, or you are overdue for your smear, please phone the practice to book an appointment with the nurse. Visit https://www.timetoscreen.nz/cervical-screening/ for more information.
Go into the draw in September/October to win a gift basket following your screening appointment.
Ngahere Acute on the Day service:
For those of you who belong to the Ngahere suite at HHC, we do offer an acute on the day service in the suite. This service is an alternative to our Urgent Care service on the ground floor. If you have a GP based in the Ngahere suite, you are welcome to phone in and check on the day for availability. The receptionist will first check if your GP has availability, and if not, will then check if there is availability with the acute doctor on that day. Currently we have extra ‘on the day ‘ availability on a Monday – Wednesday. Bookings are for these acute slots, and only on the day, and may include other days depending on locum availability.
Manage My Health:
If you have not already signed up to Manage My Health – please consider activating your login. This portal allows you to book appointments online, request repeat prescriptions, view lab results, and access your health records. It is also our preferred way of communicating with patients as it is quick and easy to use, with no hidden charges. Visit the Manage My Health website for more information.
Ngā mihi
Patient Support Services
Hastings and Havelock North Health Centres