Minor Surgery

Minor surgery is commonly provided in primary care practices, providing fast, competent removal and biopsies of skin lesions. Other services include cosmetic work such as removal of benign moles and skin tags. Ingrown toenail surgery is also commonly provided. 
These conditions do not need to be referred to a hospital, perhaps saving you a long wait or a cancelled appointment when a more serious case takes priority. 
If your doctor is unable to provide the procedure you need, he/she may know a neighbouring GP who does. Otherwise, the PHO will have a list of GPs trained in particular operations.

The doctors at Ostend Medical Centre are trained to do a wide variety of surgical procedures including:

. skin cancer removal including cancers of the face

. wart removal

. ingrown toenails

. removal of lumps.

All surgery is carried out under local anaesthetic although one of our doctors has had training in anaesthesia and so sedation-type anaesthesia is also available.

Dr Robert Kay has a contract to perform skin cancer surgery for the Auckland District Health Board and these procedures are undertaken at the Ostend Medical Centre. Certain patients can access this service and have most of the cost paid by the DHB; ask the receptionist if this could apply to you.

Dr Robert Kay also provides skin lesion surgery at the Ostend Medical Centre for those who do not qualify for ADHB funding but would like to access the service privately. If you have health insurance, you may be able to claim for the skin surgery through your insurer depending on your health insurance package.

To access Dr Kay's skin lesion surgery, you do not need to have a referral from your own GP. Phone through to reception and they will help make an appointment for you.