Welcome to Counties Medical GP Practice.
Counties GP Clinic was established in 2009 as a general medical practice, providing primary health care to the people of Papakura, Takanini and beyond.
We are a friendly general practice dedicated to providing high quality medical care to you and your family. We aim to provide the highest standards of professional healthcare to children and adults of all ages.
We now have 2 GP Clinic locations. You can book a phone consult through MMH portal or phone reception for face-to-face consults for either site. We are open 8am-5pm weekdays. We have wheelchair and stroller access via ramps at both clinic’s front entrances.
Our enrolments are open
Making a booking
Phone consults can be booked through our Manage My Health patient portal. If you feel that your medical condition requires you to have a face-to-face consultation please phone and speak with one of our receptionists.
Register and activate onto our patient portal – it makes life easier for you
Managing your GP bookings is simple using our patient portal. Manage My Health is the easiest way for you to book appointments, request repeat prescriptions and check up on any GP requested lab results. When requesting a script this way don’t forget to tell us which pharmacy you want us to send it to for your pickup.
FOR NEW PATIENTS: If this is your first appointment please do not book online as we need to book both a nurse and doctor’s consult. Please call reception 092999384 and follow the voice message to speak to one of our reception staff to book your first appointment.
Phone consultations will be charged as per a normal consultation and are still limited to 15 minutes – we can only discuss 1-2 issues in your 15-minute consultation.
We do run some Saturday morning nurse clinics for those requiring children’s immunisations, flu vaccinations and cervical smears. Please phone and speak to one of our reception team to book your appointment.
As always, if you feel that you are very unwell (for example, you are worried that you are having a stroke or heart attack), you should still ring 111 for an ambulance or present to Middlemore Hospital ED or your closest hospital.
AFTER-HOURS all calls to 09 29999384 are forwarded to an automated answering service with the option of speaking to a Whakarongorau Aotearoa triage nurse.
Or you can ring Healthline on 0800 611 116.
Family Health
We have 2 general practice locations providing quality healthcare to you and your family. We are located at 6-18 O’Shannessey Street, Papakura and 2 Te Napi Drive Waiata Shores, Takanini.
Counties Medical want to keep our community regularly updated with what is happening in our clinics and community. For the latest Family Health newsletter please click here.
Meet the GPs
Counties Medical is very proud of our team of dedicated General Practitioners, working across both sites at the Papakura and Takanini GP Clinics. They were happy to offer information about themselves and their interests – from this you will see why they are such a supportive and caring team, working together with our Practice Nurses and Receptionists for you and your family.
Dr Sviatlana (Lana) Sobaleva
I have recently arrived to New Zealand from the UK and have been looking forward to joining the team at Counties Medical. I am originally from Belarus and speak fluent Russian, however I have lived in London for most of my life. I graduated from Kings College London in 2012 and completed my GP training in 2017. My medical interests include sexual health and women’s health, having completed a Diploma in Sexual and Reproductive Health. I also immensely enjoy teaching and have worked in medical education for 6 months.
I love the great outdoors and hiking and am looking forward to exploring the beauty of New Zealand. I am also a huge animal lover and am currently happy to be living with 2 friendly cats and a dog. 🙂 I look forward to seeing you and your family!”
Dr Nishi Alex
I grew up in Singapore and came to NZ in 1997 where I finished high school. I studied medicine in Melbourne and after graduation, worked in hospitals in Auckland and Adelaide. I completed a Diploma of Paediatrics during this time. I then spent 3 months doing voluntary missionary medical work in rural India through a church organisation. Following this I moved back to Auckland and have been working in General Practice in Auckland since 2010. I completed my fellowship in 2013. My current areas of interest are paediatrics, self-care and prevention of burnout as well as 3rd world health. I am interested in missions work and have been on medical missions and general mission trips through my church.
Dr Alvin Ang
I am from Singapore and a father of 4 children. Besides English, I speak Mandarin and Hokkien. My first visit to NZ was 3 decades back when I was mesmerised by the beauty of the land, and friendliness of its people. Then I told myself I must return one day to work and live here.
In 1999, I completed my Masters of Medicine (Family Medicine), and commenced my solo private family practice in Singapore. Following 2 decades of an immensely enjoyable practice, I am ready to embark on a new chapter in my life – In new Zealand and with Counties Medical.
Dr Amy Tuyay
I am originally from the Philippines and arrived in New Zealand in October 1995. I obtained my medical degree from the University of Santo Tomas (the oldest Royal Pontifical University of the Philippines) and completed formal training in Obstetrics and Gynecology before coming to New Zealand.
After passing all the qualifying examinations in New Zealand, I worked at the Women’s Health Department in Middlemore hospital. I then decided to pursue further training in General Practice, obtaining fellowship with the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners in 2011. Alongside my work as a General Practitioner, I was also an Urgent Care doctor for many years and worked as a Medical Officer at Totara Hospice, South Auckland. My special interests are Women’s health and minor surgical procedures.
Dr George Hales
“I have recently relocated to Aotearoa New Zealand from the UK, where I attended medical school and undertook my postgraduate training. My family are originally from Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. My areas of medical interest are mental wellbeing, health improvement and sexual and women’s health. I hold a Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. I look forward to working at Counties Medical in both GP and Urgent Care and furthering my specialty fellowships here.”
Dr Caolin Reid
Hi I have come all the way from Ireland with my family, I have 5 children. I trained through the National University Of Ireland and am now working both with the Family Health team as a GP and in Urgent Care.
I look forward to meeting more New Zealanders and seeing more of this beautiful country.
Meet our Health Improvement Practitioner
Kia Ora,
My name is Bayley and I am the Health Improvement Practitioner (HIP) at Counties Family Health in Papakura.
I’m a Mental Health Professional by training. With the skills I have gained, I can very valuable and beneficial when working alongside our community to be able to help create the best outcome for them, their lives and their goals.
As a HIP, I provide brief sessions that focus on practical strategies and linking people with external services.
Some of the common aspects I can support people with are:
· Stress
· Sleep
· Anxiety, depression, or feeling down
· Pain
· Coping with physical health conditions
· Relationship challenges
· Drug or alcohol use
· Parental Wellbeing
Meet our Health Coach
Hi, my name is Sarah at Counties Family Health in Papakura. As a Health Coach,
I can provide the support, knowledge, skills and confidence to help you reach your health goals.
Sarah is a nutritionist & Dietician with a background in personal training & mothering.
She has always had a passion for overall health and well-being but is particularly interested in physical health/fitness due to both its physical and mental benefits.
Some of the common aspects I can support people with are:
· Diabetes
· Nutrition
· Weight management
· Fitness
· Long term chronic conditions
· Parental Wellbeing
Both services we provide are free for all registered patients of Counties Family Health. If the above sounds like it would be helpful, or you would like to come in for a chat, please speak to reception staff, your doctor or nurse.
Our Fees
GP Practice Registered Patients – Monday to Friday
| Medical GP appts 15 mins – Registered Patients | Medical GP appts 15 mins – Registered Patients | |||
| Low Cost Access (+ CSC Holders) | Non Low Cost Access | |||
| 0-13 years | Free | 0-13 years | Free | |
| 14-17 years | $13.00 | 14-17 years | $ 28.00 | |
| 18+ years | $19.50 | 18+ years | $ 45.00 | |
| Note that a double appointment i.e. 30 mins incurs a double fee | ||||
| ACC Appts 1st visit | ACC Appts 1st visit | |||
| Low Cost Access (+ CSC Holders) | Non Low Cost Access | |||
| 0-13 years | Free | 0-13 years | Free | |
| 14-17 years | $ 13.00 | 14-17 years | $ 25.00 | |
| 18+ years | $ 19.50 | 18+ years | $ 35.00 | |
| ACC Follow up visits ALL PATIENTS | ||||
| 0-13 years | Free | |||
| 14-17 years | $ 5.00 | |||
| 18+ years | $ 10.00 | |||
| All Nurse only consults All patients 14+ | $ 15.00 | |||
| Repeat Prescriptions | ||||
| Under 14 years of age | $ 5.00 | |||
| 14 years and over | $ 20.00 | |||
| Urgent Repeat prescription (Same day) | $ 25.00 | |||
| Note there is a charge if you request a prescription and do not collect it. | ||||
| WINZ Certificates (MUST have GP consult + disability forms) | ||||
| NO certificate issued unless paid for BEFORE consult | ||||
| First initial consultation + form completion | Non-Low-cost access | $ 75.00 | ||
| Low-cost access / CSC | $ 49.00 | |||
| Subsequent consult + form | Non-Low-cost access | $ 55.00 | ||
| Low-cost access / CSC | $ 29.00 | |||
| Non-ACC Dressings / Dressing Changes | ||||
| Dependent on time / consumables / sterilisation Included in the one price. | ||||
| Standard | $ 35.00 | |||
| Complex | $ 50.00 | |||
| First NON_ACC Dressing and all follow-up Non-ACC dressings incur a fee. | ||||
*Additional charges are required for some other services/procedures, refer to GP Clinic Procedure Charges Feb 2023 or ask at Reception
Please take note – If you book an appointment and do not turn up for this, the standard fee will be charged to you.
Our Services
Your GP’s surgery is far more than a place to go when you are feeling unwell and needing a quick cure. The doctor who sees you has gone through extensive medical training to equip her or him to help children and adults of all ages with a range of physical and emotional difficulties. GPs are at the centre of the healthcare hub and will be aware of services and expertise that are available locally and further-a-field. The clinic Practice Nurses are also trained and experienced in primary care. You can ask them questions and advice on a wide range of health issues so don’t hesitate to do so when you visit the clinic, see a nurse or are talking with the nurse on the telephone.
NOTE: Some of this information has been provided by www.healthpoint.co.nz helping people better understand and use New Zealand health services.
Test Results
You may require laboratory tests. Our practice policy is that either a GP or a Nurse will only phone you if you have significant abnormal results or results from tests that require a change in your health management. You will NOT be contacted if your results are in normal range and do not require any changes as a result.
Our practice uses e-order – this means rather than receiving a hard copy lab form, the request is sent electronically to the Labtest Centre. You can then present at any of the centres on the link below without the need for a form, and have your test done.
You will receive a text message from the practice to let you know when the labtest order has been sent.
Our patient portal ‘Manage My Health’ allows you to view your filed lab results by logging into your patient portal. You can also book appointments and request a repeat prescription on Manage My Health.
If you would like to register to use the Manage My Health portal, please phone the clinic on 09 299 9380 and a staff member will explain the registration and activation process with you.
Mental Health Wellness Support Clinic
Feeling stressed or anxious? Our Wellness clinic is run by a specially trained nursing team to support your through times of stress, anxiety and sadness. It is for patients who feel they would benefit from a mental health consultation. This is accessible through your GP. Your nurse will focus on the issues that concern you and your doctor, with practical support. The clinic sessions are funded and at no cost to the patient. More information on wellness and mind health.
Need to talk 1737 free call or text any time for support from a trained counsellor
Immunisations
Our nurses are fully trained to give both childhood & adult funded immunisations. We also offer other vaccinations such Flu, MMR (Measles, mumps, rubella), meningitis, tetanus and Zostavax (to prevent shingles). Several of these vaccinations are free if you meet eligibility criteria. We can also have travel vaccines available on order. If you are unsure about what immunisations you or your child may need, please feel free to phone the clinic and speak to a nurse. More information on immunisations and vaccines.
Women's Health
Our doctors and / or nurses can do women’s health check-ups throughout your life: cervical smear (checking for abnormalities and cervical cancer), mammogram referrals, contraception (family planning/pregnancy prevention), fertility and antenatal screening as well as other pregnancy-related issues and menopause consultations (when bleeding finishes as you get older).
Cervical smears –
For additional information on women’s health.
Breast Screening and Mammograms – BreastScreen Aotearoa provides a breast screening service for women aged 45 to 69. Eligible women can have a free mammogram every 2 years to check for breast cancer. Mammograms are provided at clinics and mobile units throughout New Zealand
Please phone the nurses for information on who to go to for your mammogram and a referral form or talk with your GP about it when you next visit. Link here to Breastscreen Aotearoa
Men’s Health
General health checks especially tailored for men – earlier health screening for heart disease, stroke and diabetes risk, prostate checks, and overall wellness check-ups.
More information on men’s health.
Diabetes Clinic
Our team of specialized nurses provide many services such as education, advice and support with lifestyle management of diet, exercise, blood glucose testing, medication, Insulin education and administration, smoking cessation and weight loss. Pre-Diabetes clinic for patients who have borderline diabetes
Some of the free services available are:
- x1 30-minute education session for patients with newly diagnosed diabetes
- Annual checks with the nurse & doctor which also includes foot check, appropriate referrals
- Insulin initiation and monitoring the dosage
- We have Diabetic Eye Retinal screening service on site
For further information on https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/health-a-z/d/diabetes-overview/
Minor Surgery
Our GP’s can provide minor surgery commonly offered in primary care (GP) practices. This includes either a biopsy or removal of moles, skin tags or other skin lesions.
If you wish to make the most of this service, please discuss this with your GP at your next visit. Not all of our GP’s do this minor surgery. To ensure you get an appointment with the right GP, please ask reception when you are making your appointment.
We are also able to take high level imaging photographs for referral to the local hospital dermatology department should you require this check of any lesion.
Lifestyle Coaching / Education
Our team offer lifestyle coaching for all aspects of a healthy lifestyle, whether it is support and resources to quit smoking, encouragement, and ideas to help with exercise and weight loss, or advice for healthy eating. We now have a Health Coach who offers free sessions to help support you to achieve your goal. Tips for healthy living.
Our nurses and doctors work together to do check-ups for patients to assess your risk of a stroke or heart attack. More information on heart disease.
Smoking and Alcohol
Our clinic is committed to offering you help with quitting smoking and managing your alcohol intake. As part of this process we regularly ask questions about these. This is also a requirement for us from the Ministry of Health relating to National Health initiatives.
We would like to have this information from you –
- Are you a current smoker? If yes, how many per day and for how long?
- Have you ever been a smoker? If yes, when did you quit?
- How often do you drink alcohol?
- How many standard drinks containing alcohol do you have on a typical day when you are drinking?
- How often do you have six or more drinks on one occasion?
And from this you will be asked if you want help with quitting smoking or managing your alcohol intake. At any time however, you can ask for help from one of the nurse or GP.
Driver's Medicals
We provide drivers medical to renew your driving licence.
It is important that you have the information you need BEFORE you book this appointment so that you are aware of the process AND the costs.
Please be aware that if you require a follow up with the GP to discuss any additional test results ordered as part of your drivers medical, a further fee will apply for this.
For more information about what this appointment entails and the fee involved please click here.
Patient Information
Newsletter:
Counties Medical want to keep our community regularly updated with what is happening in our clinics and community. For the latest Family Health newsletter please click here.
Update your contact details here: reception@countiesmedical.co.nz
