• 

  Dr Magdalena Biggar

  Breast Surgeon and Clinical Lead

• 

  Mr David Moss

  Breast Surgeon & Lead Surgeon Breast Screen

• 

  Dr Sandhya Pillai

  Breast Surgeon

• 

  Mr Garth Poole

  Breast Surgeon

• 

  Dr Stephanie Ulmer

  Breast Surgeon

• 

  Mrs Jenny Wagener

  Breast Surgeon

Your appointment with the Breast Clinic

We understand you may be feeling worried and anxious about your appointment, but it may be reassuring to know that most breast problems are benign (noncancerous).  You are welcome to bring a friend or relative with you.  When you arrive please report to the reception desk at Module 9.  Every effort will be made to see you as near as possible to your appointment time, however, there are sometimes delays, you will be kept informed if the Clinic is running late. 

The clinic nurse will show you into the consulting room, where you will be asked to undress to the waist and put on a clean gown.  You will be seen by a Consultant Breast Surgeon or a member of our Specialist Team.  The Breast Care Nurses will be in Clinic and are happy to give further information you may require. 

The doctor will take a history of your symptoms, including any family history of breast problems and any medication you are taking. The doctor will examine both your breasts and you may require further tests if it is thought necessary.  Usually these tests will be carried out on the same day, so please allow enough time (2-3 hours) in case you need any tests.

Tests which may be carried out at the Breast Clinic

You may need one or more of the following:-

• Mammogram (a breast x-ray used to look at changes in the breasts)
• Ultrasound Scan
• Fine needle aspiration cytology or a core biopsy (these are methods to sample the contents of a lump)

For more information about these tests, see 'Procedures/Treatments' below.

There are no charges for services to public patients if you are lawfully in New Zealand and meet one of the Eligibility Directions specified criteria set by the Ministry of Health.  If you do not meet the criteria, you will be declined access to the clinic and redirected to the private sector (in the rare circumstance where this information was not available prior to your clinic appointment, you will be required to pay for the full costs of any medical input you receive).

To check whether you meet the specified eligibility criteria, visit the Ministry of Health website. https://www.health.govt.nz/new-zealand-health-system/eligibility-publicly-funded-health-services

CM Health has an eligibility team who can assist with any patient enquiries.  If you have any queries, please email , phone: (09) 276 0060.

• Core biopsy or Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology

  In some cases if a lump or abnormal area is found during the breast examination, a sample of cells will be taken using a 'biopsy device' or a fine needle.… More

• Mammography

  A mammogram is a special type of x-ray used only for the breast.… More

• Ultrasound Scan

  This uses high frequency sound waves to produce an image of the breast.… More

• Breast Reconstruction

  When a breast has been removed (mastectomy) because of cancer or other disease, it is possible in most cases to reconstruct a breast similar to a natural breast.… More

www.countiesmanukau.health.nz