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Torbay Community Doctors
General Practice (GP) Service
Today
Description
We are a family centred surgery where you only see your own GP and where everyone knows your name. We offer a full range of general practice services to you and your family.
Consultations are by appointment. Our standard consultation time is 15 minutes - this will vary to give you the time you need.
We will be available on every Wednesday morning but will no longer be available on Fridays.
October 2024. Dr Hunter will be away. We appreciate having Dr Saly Mekhael filling in for me during this time. We will also welcome our new nurse Sharon during this time. The surgery will be at reduced capacity but will have support staff available at all usual times.
Te Whatu Ora have announced pharmacies can now vaccinate children. We believe this is a retrograde step for our children as these visits allow valuable contact with our nurse and doctor and help sustain the practice financially. We are no longer able to care for children who are looked after by other Clinical and Non-clinical (pharmacy) staff. This will allow them to take appropriate responsibility for treatments they provide.
We have changed our patient portal provider from ConnectMed to Manage My Health. Existing registered patients will be provided with new logon information and we will invite other patients to join this extremely useful system for accessing your health information. We encourage all of our patients to use this valuable service. It is Free!
Its time for FLUVAX - available from April 2025. Shringrix for 65 yr olds. We will offer Pneumovax vaccines to people with chronic respiratory diseases. This vaccine is free only in a very limited number of circumstances.
For our younger people HPV vaccine reduces the risk of serious consequences of human papilloma virus infection. This is free under 26yrs and should be completed if this has not already been done.
Contact our nurses for help with all immunisation questions.
Our Fees - Rationale
We welcome all of our patients and will continue to charge our usual fees and provide our usual services. We currently still charge a fee for children 6-14yrs .
From December 1 2018 the Government has announced that some practices will charge Community Card Holders $18.50 for a consultation and that children under 14yrs will be free (this does not change funding for non-Community Card holders). The subsidies that they provide for these services match about 2/3 of the amount we need to cover our expenses. As such we have not accepted this subsidy as we believe it will short change the care of Community Card Holders, make GP practices less viable, cause costs to be passed onto non-Community Card holders and probably increase hospital admissions. It is likely that if you attend another practice that any additional services you get over a simple consultation will be charged as extra to try to recover some of these losses at those practices.
We regret that if you are a Community Card Holder that you might have to accept an apparently cheaper service from another provider as we believe that the doctor/patient relationship is the core of General Practice.
Prescriptions
Dr Hunter will recommend the most appropriate medicines to treat your conditions. If you have a question about your medication please consult with Dr Hunter who will be happy to discuss this based on scientific knowledge and 35yrs experience.
COVID
Omicron is a mild viral illness well tolerated by the vast majority of patients by age and disease status. Vaccination of elderly and at risk groups is advised. Antiviral agents such as Paxlovid may be appropriate for high risk groups and can be arranged at the time of diagnosis through the practice.
Email and Cell Phone Contact
We rely on these contact methods for speed and efficiency. Please make sure that these details are up to date with our receptionist.
Our Text Phone (Not for urgent contact): 021 223 6775 this is monitored through the day and provides a convenient method of contact. We can email you with results and forms as needed. Please check your cellphone and email contact details (as well as usual address) are up to date at each visit.
Our Nurse email:
Staff
Dr Paul Hunter
Our team is made up of one GP, Dr Paul Hunter, so you will always see the same person. Paul has been a GP in Torbay for 38 years. He offers a friendly personal approach to his patients.
He is interested in skin diagnosis and treatment - using a dermasope for diagnosis and cryo-gun for liquid nitrogen therapy. He has many years' experience in removal of skin lesions.
Many of our patients are older so he is experienced with multiple and complex problems of elderly patients - Paul also offers a clinic at a local retirement village.
Our younger patients are on the increase and so we also have an interest in children's health.
We are able to offer care and diagnosis for problems that specifically relate to men and women.
Paul has an interest in issues relating to counselling and mental health.
Nursing Staff
Angela is our nurse. She can assist with all your nursing needs in a friendly and helpful manner. She is very experienced also and can educate, vaccinate and perform smear testing.
Receptionists
Jo is our receptionist. She will get to know you and your family as she arranges appointments and performs the complex tasks of practice administration. Carol shares reception duties with Jo later in the week.
Doctors
-
Dr Paul Hunter
General Practitioner - Vocationally Registered
Ages
Child / Tamariki, Youth / Rangatahi, Adult / Pakeke, Older adult / Kaumātua
How do I access this service?
Enrolled patients, Make an appointment
Enrolling new patients
Yes
This practice is enrolling new patients.
Fees
Enrolled Patient Usual Fees
Age | Usual Fee | Maximum Fee |
Under 6yrs | Free | Free |
6 -12 yrs |
$40 |
$49 |
13 - 17 yrs |
$45 |
$59 |
18 - 24 yrs | $48 | $68.50 |
25 - 44 yrs | $60 | $76.50 |
45 - 64 yrs | $65 | $77.50 |
65+ yrs | $65 CSC $58 discretionary |
$77.50 |
Our fee structure varies. Maximum DHB controlled fees for usual service are shown in brackets. Extra fees may apply for use of specialised materials, equipment or time. We try to keep this to a minimum.
Prescriptions ($27) - these are best arranged at least one day prior - extra fees may apply to same day, faxed or urgent prescriptions or applications for special authorities.
One of our nurses can perform smear tests for $40. Fees apply for nursing services.
Skin lesion excision from $300.
ACC surcharge is $25-40 with a reduced fee for repeat ACC dressings.
We offer a wide range of vaccines for travel and seasonal flu vaccines (free to many patients).
We are now able to make your claims at the end of your consultation for Southern Cross Members through their Easy-Claim system streamlining availability of your insurance benefits.
Hours
Mon | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
---|---|
Tue | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Wed | 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM |
Thu | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
We are trialling being available every Wednesday morning and not having surgery on Fridays. There are now more appointments available on Thursday on these weeks and these can be booked here on the portal.
We have reduced our hours to 5pm closing for the next month due to our different working methods at present. We will adapt this as needed.
The practice is closed for lunch from 1pm-2pm daily, and until 2.30pm on Tuesdays.
After hours contact:
ShoreCare Clinics: Sovereign Building, Smale's Farm, 74 Taharoto Rd, Takapuna. Open 24hrs.
948 East Coast Rd, Northcross. Until 8pm each evening. Currently A Community Based Assessment Centre for COVID 19 (by arranged appointment only)
Ph (09) 486 7777 - no advice is given over the phone.
In case of emergency Dial 111 and ask for ambulance.
North Shore Hospital Emergency Clinic is open 24hrs. Shakespeare Rd, Milford.
Public Holidays: Closed Labour Day (28 Oct), Auckland Anniversary (27 Jan), Waitangi Day (6 Feb), Good Friday (18 Apr), Easter Sunday (20 Apr), Easter Monday (21 Apr), ANZAC Day (25 Apr), King's Birthday (2 Jun), Matariki (20 Jun).
Christmas: Open 23 Dec — 24 Dec. Closed 25 Dec — 29 Dec. Open 30 Dec — 31 Dec. Closed 1 Jan — 5 Jan. Open 6 Jan — 9 Jan. Closed 10 Jan.
Languages Spoken
English
Services Provided
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 an 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. GPs are also aware of the link that stress and unhappy life events have on physical health so know when to suggest a talking therapy rather than medication.
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 an 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. GPs are also aware of the link that stress and unhappy life events have on physical health so know when to suggest a talking therapy rather than medication.
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 an 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. GPs are also aware of the link that stress and unhappy life events have on physical health so know when to suggest a talking therapy rather than medication.
A virtual consultation is a way of having an appointment with your healthcare provider, but not in person. This is usually done via a video app or a phone call. For more detailed information about telehealth consultations, please see the guide from Healthify. Video or Phone Consultations can still be booked through reception. This can allow non-contact consultations and assessments of what further measures may be required but is best suited to purely administrative functions and assessments where talking and advice make up the bulk of need.
A virtual consultation is a way of having an appointment with your healthcare provider, but not in person. This is usually done via a video app or a phone call. For more detailed information about telehealth consultations, please see the guide from Healthify. Video or Phone Consultations can still be booked through reception. This can allow non-contact consultations and assessments of what further measures may be required but is best suited to purely administrative functions and assessments where talking and advice make up the bulk of need.
- Video consultations
- Phone consultations
- Telehealth consultations for enrolled patients only
A virtual consultation is a way of having an appointment with your healthcare provider, but not in person. This is usually done via a video app or a phone call. For more detailed information about telehealth consultations, please see the guide from Healthify.
Video or Phone Consultations can still be booked through reception. This can allow non-contact consultations and assessments of what further measures may be required but is best suited to purely administrative functions and assessments where talking and advice make up the bulk of need.
Primary care practices offer a range of services and are able to deal with most minor accident care. If they are not able to deal with an injury they will refer on to the appropriate service.
Primary care practices offer a range of services and are able to deal with most minor accident care. If they are not able to deal with an injury they will refer on to the appropriate service.
Primary care practices offer a range of services and are able to deal with most minor accident care. If they are not able to deal with an injury they will refer on to the appropriate service.
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. We generally operate Tues and Thurs mornings. The doctor must have viewed the lesion prior so that appropriate treatment can be planned. You will generally be in the surgery for 1 hour and return the following day for a wound check. Sutures are removed usually at 7 and or 10 days.
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. We generally operate Tues and Thurs mornings. The doctor must have viewed the lesion prior so that appropriate treatment can be planned. You will generally be in the surgery for 1 hour and return the following day for a wound check. Sutures are removed usually at 7 and or 10 days.
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.
We generally operate Tues and Thurs mornings. The doctor must have viewed the lesion prior so that appropriate treatment can be planned. You will generally be in the surgery for 1 hour and return the following day for a wound check. Sutures are removed usually at 7 and or 10 days.
Immunisation is the safest and most effective way to provide protection for you and your tamariki’s health. For more information view the NZ immunisation schedule. We can provide vaccinations for children under our care. We cannot provide care for patients who are being vaccinated by other clinical (doctors) and non-clinical (pharmacists) staff as they will be responsible for monitoring and outcome of their treatments.
Immunisation is the safest and most effective way to provide protection for you and your tamariki’s health. For more information view the NZ immunisation schedule. We can provide vaccinations for children under our care. We cannot provide care for patients who are being vaccinated by other clinical (doctors) and non-clinical (pharmacists) staff as they will be responsible for monitoring and outcome of their treatments.
- Pregnancy vaccinations
- Childhood immunisation programme
- 45 year old vaccinations
- 65 year old vaccinations
- Adult flu vaccine
- Child flu vaccine
- Diphtheria / Tetanus / Pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine
- Measles / Mumps / Rubella (MMR) vaccine
- Meningococcal vaccine
- Shingles vaccine
- Travel vaccinations
- Catch-up missed vaccinations
- Privately funded vaccinations
Immunisation is the safest and most effective way to provide protection for you and your tamariki’s health. For more information view the NZ immunisation schedule.
We can provide vaccinations for children under our care. We cannot provide care for patients who are being vaccinated by other clinical (doctors) and non-clinical (pharmacists) staff as they will be responsible for monitoring and outcome of their treatments.
Liquid nitrogen is a fast, effective treatment provided in many practices to treat viral warts, sun damaged skin, skin tags and many benign cosmetic lesions. It comes in a container with a nozzle and is usually applied by swab or spray. Often one treatment is all that is needed but sometimes it may need repeating after two weeks. Because it cannot be stored for too long, you will often find that your GP will treat a number of patients one after the other. For more information click here. We have liquid nitrogen available usually at all times. We use a CryAc gun for fast and safe delivery of liquid nitrogen.
Liquid nitrogen is a fast, effective treatment provided in many practices to treat viral warts, sun damaged skin, skin tags and many benign cosmetic lesions. It comes in a container with a nozzle and is usually applied by swab or spray. Often one treatment is all that is needed but sometimes it may need repeating after two weeks. Because it cannot be stored for too long, you will often find that your GP will treat a number of patients one after the other. For more information click here. We have liquid nitrogen available usually at all times. We use a CryAc gun for fast and safe delivery of liquid nitrogen.
Liquid nitrogen is a fast, effective treatment provided in many practices to treat viral warts, sun damaged skin, skin tags and many benign cosmetic lesions. It comes in a container with a nozzle and is usually applied by swab or spray. Often one treatment is all that is needed but sometimes it may need repeating after two weeks.
Because it cannot be stored for too long, you will often find that your GP will treat a number of patients one after the other.
For more information click here.
We have liquid nitrogen available usually at all times. We use a CryAc gun for fast and safe delivery of liquid nitrogen.
All women and people with a cervix aged 25 – 69 who have ever had intimate skin-to-skin contact or been sexually active should have regular cervical screening. This includes women who have been immunised against HPV. Together, regular screening and HPV immunisation provide the best protection against cervical cancer. There are now more options for how you have cervical screening done: a simple vaginal swab test for HPV, either done yourself or with help from a healthcare professional a cervical sample taken by a healthcare professional (used to be known as a smear test). Talk with your healthcare provider to decide which option is best for you. If HPV is found, you may need to have a follow-up test or be referred directly for colposcopy. If you’ve not yet had HPV testing, you should be screened 3 years after your last test (or 1 year if immune deficient). Once you have had an HPV test, and providing HPV is not found, your next screening will be in 5 years (or 3 years if immune deficient). For more information: Cervical screening | Time to Screen - National Screening Unit These are available from the doctor and some of our nurses if you prefer.
All women and people with a cervix aged 25 – 69 who have ever had intimate skin-to-skin contact or been sexually active should have regular cervical screening. This includes women who have been immunised against HPV. Together, regular screening and HPV immunisation provide the best protection against cervical cancer. There are now more options for how you have cervical screening done: a simple vaginal swab test for HPV, either done yourself or with help from a healthcare professional a cervical sample taken by a healthcare professional (used to be known as a smear test). Talk with your healthcare provider to decide which option is best for you. If HPV is found, you may need to have a follow-up test or be referred directly for colposcopy. If you’ve not yet had HPV testing, you should be screened 3 years after your last test (or 1 year if immune deficient). Once you have had an HPV test, and providing HPV is not found, your next screening will be in 5 years (or 3 years if immune deficient). For more information: Cervical screening | Time to Screen - National Screening Unit These are available from the doctor and some of our nurses if you prefer.
All women and people with a cervix aged 25 – 69 who have ever had intimate skin-to-skin contact or been sexually active should have regular cervical screening. This includes women who have been immunised against HPV. Together, regular screening and HPV immunisation provide the best protection against cervical cancer.
There are now more options for how you have cervical screening done:
- a simple vaginal swab test for HPV, either done yourself or with help from a healthcare professional
- a cervical sample taken by a healthcare professional (used to be known as a smear test).
Talk with your healthcare provider to decide which option is best for you.
If HPV is found, you may need to have a follow-up test or be referred directly for colposcopy.
If you’ve not yet had HPV testing, you should be screened 3 years after your last test (or 1 year if immune deficient). Once you have had an HPV test, and providing HPV is not found, your next screening will be in 5 years (or 3 years if immune deficient).
For more information: Cervical screening | Time to Screen - National Screening Unit
These are available from the doctor and some of our nurses if you prefer.
Another service offered to you at your GP surgery (primary care practice) is advice and immunisation before you go to another country. While you are likely to have the immunisations needed to live in New Zealand, there may be other injections you need to protect yourself before going for example to Africa or South America. In some places you will need protection from rabies or malaria. Yellow fever vaccinations are only available at approved centres; please click here to view the centres in New Zealand. Your doctor will be able to tell you what diseases you will need to be protected from in any named country and advise you on other medical matters. Please contact us early as we may have to order your vaccine and some are better given some time before you travel. A form is available to fill out so we know where you are going, for how long and the types of risk that may be involved. While your trip is probably expensive, appropriate vaccination and precautions provide reassurance and protection in different environments and are generally worth the added cost. Some vaccines afford long term protection for future travel.
Another service offered to you at your GP surgery (primary care practice) is advice and immunisation before you go to another country. While you are likely to have the immunisations needed to live in New Zealand, there may be other injections you need to protect yourself before going for example to Africa or South America. In some places you will need protection from rabies or malaria. Yellow fever vaccinations are only available at approved centres; please click here to view the centres in New Zealand. Your doctor will be able to tell you what diseases you will need to be protected from in any named country and advise you on other medical matters. Please contact us early as we may have to order your vaccine and some are better given some time before you travel. A form is available to fill out so we know where you are going, for how long and the types of risk that may be involved. While your trip is probably expensive, appropriate vaccination and precautions provide reassurance and protection in different environments and are generally worth the added cost. Some vaccines afford long term protection for future travel.
Another service offered to you at your GP surgery (primary care practice) is advice and immunisation before you go to another country. While you are likely to have the immunisations needed to live in New Zealand, there may be other injections you need to protect yourself before going for example to Africa or South America. In some places you will need protection from rabies or malaria. Yellow fever vaccinations are only available at approved centres; please click here to view the centres in New Zealand. Your doctor will be able to tell you what diseases you will need to be protected from in any named country and advise you on other medical matters.
Please contact us early as we may have to order your vaccine and some are better given some time before you travel. A form is available to fill out so we know where you are going, for how long and the types of risk that may be involved. While your trip is probably expensive, appropriate vaccination and precautions provide reassurance and protection in different environments and are generally worth the added cost. Some vaccines afford long term protection for future travel.
An ECG is a recording of your heart's electrical activity. Electrode patches are attached to your skin to measure the electrical impulses given off by your heart. The result is a trace that can be read by a doctor. It can give information of previous heart attacks or problems with the heart rhythm.
An ECG is a recording of your heart's electrical activity. Electrode patches are attached to your skin to measure the electrical impulses given off by your heart. The result is a trace that can be read by a doctor. It can give information of previous heart attacks or problems with the heart rhythm.
An ECG is a recording of your heart's electrical activity. Electrode patches are attached to your skin to measure the electrical impulses given off by your heart. The result is a trace that can be read by a doctor. It can give information of previous heart attacks or problems with the heart rhythm.
Spirometry is a tool that measures how effectively your lungs are working. It is able to show how much air lungs are able to hold (their volume) and how much air can be breathed in and out (inhaled and exhaled) which is called flow. This tool is used to assess damage caused by conditions like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – a group that includes bronchitis and emphysema), pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis and asthma. Results are shown on a graph called a pneumotachograph. For more information click on the following link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirometry
Spirometry is a tool that measures how effectively your lungs are working. It is able to show how much air lungs are able to hold (their volume) and how much air can be breathed in and out (inhaled and exhaled) which is called flow. This tool is used to assess damage caused by conditions like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – a group that includes bronchitis and emphysema), pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis and asthma. Results are shown on a graph called a pneumotachograph. For more information click on the following link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirometry
Spirometry is a tool that measures how effectively your lungs are working. It is able to show how much air lungs are able to hold (their volume) and how much air can be breathed in and out (inhaled and exhaled) which is called flow. This tool is used to assess damage caused by conditions like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – a group that includes bronchitis and emphysema), pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis and asthma. Results are shown on a graph called a pneumotachograph.
For more information click on the following link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirometry
A patient portal is a secure online tool provided by GP practices that can allow convenient access to your health information as well as interaction with the practice e.g. booking appointments and requesting repeat prescriptions. Please enquire and register for this service at the practice. At present it is possible to book appointments on line and review your recent results by using this free service. Keeping your information safe is important to us and so you will need to have an individual email account for login to this service. Once you have accessed information it is your responsibility to keep it safe so do not share your login details with anyone who could breach your privacy. The tag for arranged video consultations is https://doxy.me/drphunter. These can be booked at reception.
A patient portal is a secure online tool provided by GP practices that can allow convenient access to your health information as well as interaction with the practice e.g. booking appointments and requesting repeat prescriptions. Please enquire and register for this service at the practice. At present it is possible to book appointments on line and review your recent results by using this free service. Keeping your information safe is important to us and so you will need to have an individual email account for login to this service. Once you have accessed information it is your responsibility to keep it safe so do not share your login details with anyone who could breach your privacy. The tag for arranged video consultations is https://doxy.me/drphunter. These can be booked at reception.
A patient portal is a secure online tool provided by GP practices that can allow convenient access to your health information as well as interaction with the practice e.g. booking appointments and requesting repeat prescriptions.
Please enquire and register for this service at the practice. At present it is possible to book appointments on line and review your recent results by using this free service. Keeping your information safe is important to us and so you will need to have an individual email account for login to this service. Once you have accessed information it is your responsibility to keep it safe so do not share your login details with anyone who could breach your privacy.
The tag for arranged video consultations is https://doxy.me/drphunter. These can be booked at reception.
Each GP surgery or primary care practice will have its own procedure for repeat prescribing but the following rules are common to most, if not all. Patients who are well-known to the practice who have a stable condition like asthma, hypertension or diabetes could be allowed to get a repeat prescription for up to six months. Repeat prescriptions are never given to patients who are not known to the practice and there is probably a blanket ban on repeats for narcotics and other drugs that could be misused as doctors are expected to monitor these drugs carefully. Prescriptions may be available via the portal or by contacting the nurse. These will only be given where there is not a need for medical monitoring of a condition. Regular patient contact is required for all prescribing to check that the medicine is still appropriate and working well without problems. Please ring at least 24hr prior to the prescription being needed. If you are unsure whether we will give a repeat then earlier notification will allow an appointment to be booked if appropriate. We can email prescriptions to pharmacies if required. We can apply for special authorities on line and this will attract additional charges.
Each GP surgery or primary care practice will have its own procedure for repeat prescribing but the following rules are common to most, if not all. Patients who are well-known to the practice who have a stable condition like asthma, hypertension or diabetes could be allowed to get a repeat prescription for up to six months. Repeat prescriptions are never given to patients who are not known to the practice and there is probably a blanket ban on repeats for narcotics and other drugs that could be misused as doctors are expected to monitor these drugs carefully. Prescriptions may be available via the portal or by contacting the nurse. These will only be given where there is not a need for medical monitoring of a condition. Regular patient contact is required for all prescribing to check that the medicine is still appropriate and working well without problems. Please ring at least 24hr prior to the prescription being needed. If you are unsure whether we will give a repeat then earlier notification will allow an appointment to be booked if appropriate. We can email prescriptions to pharmacies if required. We can apply for special authorities on line and this will attract additional charges.
Each GP surgery or primary care practice will have its own procedure for repeat prescribing but the following rules are common to most, if not all. Patients who are well-known to the practice who have a stable condition like asthma, hypertension or diabetes could be allowed to get a repeat prescription for up to six months. Repeat prescriptions are never given to patients who are not known to the practice and there is probably a blanket ban on repeats for narcotics and other drugs that could be misused as doctors are expected to monitor these drugs carefully.
Prescriptions may be available via the portal or by contacting the nurse. These will only be given where there is not a need for medical monitoring of a condition. Regular patient contact is required for all prescribing to check that the medicine is still appropriate and working well without problems.
Please ring at least 24hr prior to the prescription being needed. If you are unsure whether we will give a repeat then earlier notification will allow an appointment to be booked if appropriate. We can email prescriptions to pharmacies if required. We can apply for special authorities on line and this will attract additional charges.
Sometimes your doctor needs to take a sample of blood or urine either to discover what is wrong with you or to measure something in your blood so that the right medication is given to you. These tests could be anything from blood sugar to a full blood count or a sample of tissue to test for cancer. While urine can generally be tested in the surgery, blood and other specimens are usually sent away for testing at a laboratory. Most results come back within 48 hours unless a very rare test is needed which has to go to a specialist lab further away when it might take a little longer. While we will try always to inform you of important abnormal results it is important for you to check your results with the surgery. This is usually 1-2 days for most laboratory testing but may be up to a fortnight for cervical smears and for tissue sample results (histology). We will generally not inform you of normal results unless this has been agreed and minor abnormalities that do not affect you are just noted by the doctor on the result and can be discussed if you have any questions around them. X-ray and special tests arranged through the hospital take varying amounts of time. Please let us know if you have not heard from a service in a reasonable time nor had the result from some investigation. We do not have control over this but are happy to check on difficulties in this area as they arise. Registration on our portal will allow access to your recent results. This can be arranged at the surgery. Electronic lab referrals are now available so your requested tests will be available at any laboratory collection centre. In general good communication including your feedback and cooperation in arranging requested tests will help us do our job and care for your health. Please keep your contact details up to date so we can contact you by phone, text or email. Please do not request frequent or unnecessary tests from the doctor. Each test has its own advantages and disadvantages and rarely is there one investigation that can provide all the answers. Your doctor has been trained in the use and interpretation of tests. Google or your neighbours advice are rarely useful in determining your needs.
Sometimes your doctor needs to take a sample of blood or urine either to discover what is wrong with you or to measure something in your blood so that the right medication is given to you. These tests could be anything from blood sugar to a full blood count or a sample of tissue to test for cancer. While urine can generally be tested in the surgery, blood and other specimens are usually sent away for testing at a laboratory. Most results come back within 48 hours unless a very rare test is needed which has to go to a specialist lab further away when it might take a little longer. While we will try always to inform you of important abnormal results it is important for you to check your results with the surgery. This is usually 1-2 days for most laboratory testing but may be up to a fortnight for cervical smears and for tissue sample results (histology). We will generally not inform you of normal results unless this has been agreed and minor abnormalities that do not affect you are just noted by the doctor on the result and can be discussed if you have any questions around them. X-ray and special tests arranged through the hospital take varying amounts of time. Please let us know if you have not heard from a service in a reasonable time nor had the result from some investigation. We do not have control over this but are happy to check on difficulties in this area as they arise. Registration on our portal will allow access to your recent results. This can be arranged at the surgery. Electronic lab referrals are now available so your requested tests will be available at any laboratory collection centre. In general good communication including your feedback and cooperation in arranging requested tests will help us do our job and care for your health. Please keep your contact details up to date so we can contact you by phone, text or email. Please do not request frequent or unnecessary tests from the doctor. Each test has its own advantages and disadvantages and rarely is there one investigation that can provide all the answers. Your doctor has been trained in the use and interpretation of tests. Google or your neighbours advice are rarely useful in determining your needs.
Sometimes your doctor needs to take a sample of blood or urine either to discover what is wrong with you or to measure something in your blood so that the right medication is given to you. These tests could be anything from blood sugar to a full blood count or a sample of tissue to test for cancer.
While urine can generally be tested in the surgery, blood and other specimens are usually sent away for testing at a laboratory. Most results come back within 48 hours unless a very rare test is needed which has to go to a specialist lab further away when it might take a little longer.
While we will try always to inform you of important abnormal results it is important for you to check your results with the surgery. This is usually 1-2 days for most laboratory testing but may be up to a fortnight for cervical smears and for tissue sample results (histology). We will generally not inform you of normal results unless this has been agreed and minor abnormalities that do not affect you are just noted by the doctor on the result and can be discussed if you have any questions around them.
X-ray and special tests arranged through the hospital take varying amounts of time. Please let us know if you have not heard from a service in a reasonable time nor had the result from some investigation. We do not have control over this but are happy to check on difficulties in this area as they arise.
Registration on our portal will allow access to your recent results. This can be arranged at the surgery.
Electronic lab referrals are now available so your requested tests will be available at any laboratory collection centre.
In general good communication including your feedback and cooperation in arranging requested tests will help us do our job and care for your health. Please keep your contact details up to date so we can contact you by phone, text or email.
Please do not request frequent or unnecessary tests from the doctor. Each test has its own advantages and disadvantages and rarely is there one investigation that can provide all the answers. Your doctor has been trained in the use and interpretation of tests. Google or your neighbours advice are rarely useful in determining your needs.
Disability Assistance
Wheelchair access, Mobility parking space, Wheelchair accessible toilet
Online Booking URL
Document Downloads
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Enrolment Form
(DOC, 54.5 KB)
Enrolment forms - for new enrolments and where requested to update, please use this form, sign it and post or email it back to us. Please note children require their own form from 16yrs. Please include appropriate ID eg Passport, CSC or Birth Cert to prove eligibility for enrolment.
Contact Details
987 Beach Road, Torbay, Auckland
North Auckland
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Phone
(09) 473 9594
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Mobile
02102236775
Healthlink EDI
pahunter
Email
The surgery is open for consultations. The surgery has been reconfigured to separate different areas of care and to better protect our staff and patients.
Video or Phone Consultations can be booked through the portal or via reception.
We need to know if you or anyone in your group have symptoms of cough, fever, runny nose, shortness of breath at the time of booking. If you are attending the surgery then phone the reception to let them know you have arrived in the carpark. Remain in your car until you are directed to appropriate areas of care.
Appointment booking is available through our patient portal or through reception. Please sign up to use this service through reception.
Access to the Portal is at Dr Hunter - portal at Manage My Health
Video Consultations are by appointment only.
Enter the Virtual Waiting Room - Click Virtual Waiting (https://doxy.me/drphunter) - enter and wait just prior to your appointment time
Phone Consultation- The Doctor will call you at your appointment time.
We prefer contactless electronic forms of payment.
Text phone (Txt only) 021 223 6775
Nurse email tcdnurse@outlook.com
Admin email tcdfax@outlook.com
Book an appointment987 Beach Road
Torbay
Auckland 0630
Street Address
987 Beach Road
Torbay
Auckland 0630
Postal Address
PO Box 89025
Torbay
Auckland 0742
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This page was last updated at 12:39PM on September 23, 2024. This information is reviewed and edited by Torbay Community Doctors.