Blue Penguin Medical Centre

Kia ora

Blue Penguin Medical Centre is a new GP practice in Timaru. Our small team aims to deliver personal health care at a high level for all our patients.

Our Services

Maori and Pacifica Health

Our goal is to ensure equitable healthcare access for both Maori and Pacifica communities. 

Travel Medicine

Before travelling, you should check that your vaccinations are up-to-date, such as tetanus, measles, hepatitis, and polio vaccinations.

Women's, Men's and Gender Diverse Health

We all have different health needs and concerns. Feel free to discuss these with us. We welcome people of the rainbow community and provide transgender health care.

Family Planning & Sexual Health

We want everyone to be able to make informed choices about their sexual health & planning. Get in touch to discuss anything you are unsure about.

Minor Surgery

We can do minor surgial procedures carried out in the treatment room at our medical centre using local anaesthetic.

Immunisations

Immunisation is important for children & adults to help give your body the best defence against disease and the spreading of it among your family and community.

Referrals to Community Services and Specialists

Where needed we will refer you to the appropriate medical specialist or community service.

Pregnancy Care & Support

We can help guide you through the process and provide the care and support you need to make sure everything goes as smooth as possible.

Have other medical needs?

Do you have any other medical needs that aren’t listed here or have any other general enquires? Get in touch with us.

Mental Health & Wellness

Feeling a bit down or need someone to talk to about your wellness? We are here to get you the help you need.

Regular Checks by Doctor and Nurse

While some people have yearly health check-ups, sometimes it may be necessary to have regular checkups depending on your health.

Our Team

Nicole Kennedy

Registered Nurse

(Bachelor of Nursing & Post Graduate Diploma in Health Science)

 

I was born and raised in South Canterbury. I enjoy reading the latest research articles on medical treatments and attending courses to widen my knowledge. I believe in providing healthcare that meets both individual and whānau centred needs to achieve identified positive health outcomes. I have a strong equity focus and this has been captured both in my study and professional experience as a nurse.

I have been a registered nurse since 2013. Initially completing my Nursing Entry to Practice (NEtP) within a general practice setting. I then moved into a role as a Public Health Nurse for the District Health Board. After this I was seconded into MMR (Measles Mumps and Rubella) Campaign Coordination and then the Covid-19 Workplace/Equity role.

My experience in these roles have enabled me to gain skills in; Child, adolescent and family health, mental health, sexual health, gender identity, woman’s health, immunisation, health promotion, management and treatment of illnesses.

Dr Martijn Phaff

General Practitioner

 

Kia ora, I was born in the Netherlands, where I grew up and went to medical school.

From 2005 until 2016, I worked in South Africa as a doctor, mainly doing general surgery and orthopedic surgery in large hospitals. During this time, I obtained a higher diploma in orthopedics and a higher diploma in general surgery from the College of Medicine of South Africa. Due to my time in South Africa, I have developed a special interest in minor surgery and musculoskeletal medicine.

In 2016 I moved back to the Netherlands to complete my training in family medicine. I qualified as a family physician in the Netherlands in 2019.

In 2020, just before the pandemic, I moved to Timaru with my wife and two children. We soon felt at home and decided to settle here permanently. We live on a lifestyle block just outside town.

In 2022 I obtained the fellowship from the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners.

I believe in a small GP practice that provides high quality personal care to everybody. By keeping the practice small, my patients and I get to know each other and patients know what to expect from me as their doctor. I believe continuity of care is an essential part of primary health care.

I enjoy spending time with my family and I like tramping, mountain biking and skiing. I am addicted to running and reading the news.

Jo Clarkson

Practice Manager

Anne Muir

Receptionist

Tania Wilson

Receptionist

Our Pricing

Pricing for our patients enrolled with Blue Penguin Medical Centre

We appreciate all visits are paid for on the day of your visit. Please note that all services that have not been paid for on the day will incur an additional $7 collection fee. A non-attendance fee of $15 may be charged for missed appointments.

DOCTOR VISITS (Enrolled Patients)

Children (Under 14) $0
Children (14 to 17) $34
Adult (18 to 65) $47.50
Adult (65 and over) $43

EXCISION PRICE
(Including removal of stitches)

Children 6-17 (With CSC) $65
Children 6-17 (Without CSC) $90
Adult (With CSC) $90
Adult (Without CSC) $150

HOME VISITS

$105

LIQUID NITROGEN

One to two lesions $25
Four or more lesions $25

COMMUNITY SERVICES CARD (CSC)

14 to 17 years $13
18 and over $19.50

 

VISITORS

Children (0 to 17) $35
18 and over
(Without CSC/Gold Card/HUHC) $90
18 and over
(With CSC/Gold Cards, HUHC) $65

PRESCRIPTIONS

Under 14 $0
Over 14 $15
Controlled Drugs $15
Well Revolution Scripts $10

 

NURSE VISITS

Consult $25
WINZ consults/ Home Help / counselling / $25
IUD removal $25
Ear Syringe (Both) $30
Cervical Smears or Self Swab $25
Depo $25
Dressings with ACC $10
Dressings without ACC $25
Help with forms St Johns Alarm / CSC applications $25

 

FLU VACCINES

Under 65 and those who are unfunded $30
Over 65 and those who are funded $0
Reports and Certificates $15

 

 

TRAVEL VACCINES

Pricing Advised at consult

 

CAREPLUS ENHANCED

Doctor $0
Nurse $0

ACC CONSULTATIONS

Under 13 (Registered) $0
13 to 17 (with CSC) $13
18 + (with CSC) $19.50
ACC Visitor (0 to 17) $25
13 to 17 (Registered) $15
18+ (Registered Initial) $30
18 + (Registered Subsequent) $20
ACC Visitor 18 and over $50

PATIENT PORTAL WITH WELL REVOLUTION APP
(adults only)

Online consult with GP $40
Online consult with CSC $19.50
Online script $10

Please note:

We do not routinely provide accounts. If the account is not paid within the month an additional $7 account fee will be added.

If the account is not settled as per the arrangement this may result in our withdrawal of non-urgent services and your account will be forwarded to a debt collection agency for which you will be liable for collection fees of $40.

REMINDER Scripts are still free for U14, CSC holders and over 65 patients, at your usual pharmacy.

Information

Here you will find information, links and general medical tips & advice.

What is HealthOne?

HealthOne is a south island based secure electronic record that allows registered healthcare providers directly involved in your healthcare, to quickly access information such as your test results, allergies, medications, GP summaries and hospital information.

HealthOne strictly adheres to the principles of the Privacy Act, 2020 as well as Rule 5 (Storage and Security of Health Information) set out in the Health Information Privacy Code 2020. Access is only possible via an approved highly secure healthcare information network which is regularly audited and tested. Privacy auditing is used to check that only those directly involved in your care are accessing your information.

To find out more about HealthOne please visit https://healthone.org.nz/. Please note that you are entitled to restrict the sharing of your healthcare records by contacting 0508 837 872 or emailing healthone.privacy@pegasus.org.nz

Please note that this practice is contributing to, and accessing healthcare information from HealthOne

 

What is a Point of Care test?

At Blue Penguin we often use point-of-care tests. This is a rapid diagnostic tool used in primary care settings to measure the level of CRP in your blood or test for Strep throat. The doctor or the nurse will take a small amount of blood from a finger prick and or swab your throat during the consultation.

CRP is an inflammatory marker, and elevated levels can indicate inflammation in the body. This test helps healthcare providers assess the severity of infections or monitor inflammatory conditions, aiding in the diagnostic process.

The quick results enable timely decisions about patient care during the primary care visit. Keep in mind that while Point of Care testing is valuable, clinical judgment and additional assessments are crucial for a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan. For example we might test you when you have chest infection or a sore throat to help us decide if you need antibiotics. This helps us to reduce to unnecessary use of antibiotics. 

 

The danger of antibiotic resistance

Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria change in a way that makes antibiotics less effective against them. It’s like bacteria learning to defend themselves, so the usual medicines don’t work as well. This is a big issue in healthcare because it makes it harder to treat infections, and simple infections could become more dangerous. It’s important for doctors and patients to use antibiotics wisely to slow down this resistance and keep our medicines effective. 

The majority of airway infections in primary care settings are caused by viruses. Estimates suggest that around 85-90% of acute respiratory infections, like the common cold, are viral in nature. However, it’s essential to note that these percentages can vary based on factors such as geographic location, time of year, and the specific population being studied. Viral infections are generally more common, but bacterial infections can also play a role, especially in certain clinical contexts.

Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections because antibiotics target bacteria, not viruses. Viruses and bacteria are distinct types of microorganisms with different structures and life processes. Antibiotics work by interfering with bacterial functions, such as cell wall synthesis or protein production, which are absent in viruses. Using antibiotics for viral infections is ineffective and can contribute to antibiotic resistance, a global health concern. It’s crucial to reserve antibiotics for bacterial infections and follow healthcare professionals’ advice regarding the appropriate use of medications to ensure effective treatment and minimize the risk of resistance.

In New Zealand, like in many places, antibiotic resistance is on the rise. That is why at Blue Penguin we try to avoid the unnecessary use  of antibiotics and we might not give antibiotics as easily as you are used to with your previous GP. On the other hand, we are always willing to assess you to see if you need antibiotics or not. If you call before 0900 o’clock we always have urgent appointment on the day to examine you if needed.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/gps-called-to-cut-antibiotic-prescriptions-by-a-third/BGF77LFC4TUSS7YVIFB3WR4PMQ/

 

Immigration Medicals

 

Welcome and thank you for using Blue Penguin Medical Centre for your Immigration Medical. We pride ourselves on providing a high quality professional medical service and are proud  Blue Penguin Medical has gained  Foundation Standard, which is an assessment from the College Practitioners for excellent standards.  Please find below some information on the process and the costs.

1. Please be clear what Visa you are applying for and what medical service you need as most need a full assessment and examination and others do not.

2. When you contact Blue Penguin Medical 03 6849503 please advise the receptionist that this is about an immigration medical and they will make you an appointment.

3. Immigration medicals are done in four parts with two at Blue Penguin Medical; one at Awanui Labs and one at Pacific Radiology.

  • The first part is when you see the nurse and she will take your photo, go over the initial questions on the immigration medical web site and give you the chest x-ray radiology and blood test forms if required. This takes about 45 minutes.
  • The bloods are taken at the Awanui lab situated in Dee Street. No appointment is needed. You must pay the laboratory for these tests . Prices range from $97 to $260.00
  • The chest x-ray is done at Pacific Radiology, 45 Elizabeth Street, Timaru. Phone 0800 869 729 . Please note you must make an appointment for this. Fee $185.00 for Visa medicals, to be paid at time of appointment. When you have booked your medical with Blue Penguin, for out of town patients, you can then phone Pacific Radiology to get an appointment on the same day, but after you have seen the GP , to prevent
    extra travel.
  • After you see the Nurse, you see the Doctor, who completes the physical examination. Once the Dr receives the x-ray results and blood results he will check this and if all is in order, he will submit your medical. This is usually within 5 days.

4. At each of the appointments with Nurse, Doctor, Awanui Laboratory, and Pacific Radiology, you must have your passport with you for ID.

25. FEES at Blue Penguin Medical Centre are:

Adult General – $300.00
Adult Limited – $200.00
Children 11-14 yrs – $150.00
Children 5-10 years – $100.00
Children 0-4 years – $ 50.00

All fees no not include labs or x’rays

6. Please note that if you need any further medical services then you will be charged at the unsubsidized rate, unless your visa qualifies you for government funding.