July 2026/ Issue 1

Matariki Day

On 9 July, our team at Milford Family Medical Centre enjoyed a shared lunch to celebrate Matariki. It was a great opportunity for everyone to take a break, spend time together, and enjoy a variety of homemade and shared dishes. Celebrating Matariki reminds us of the importance of reflecting on the past, appreciating the present, and looking ahead with hope.

As a practice, we value the different cultures and backgrounds within our team and our community. Events like these help strengthen our connections and create a positive workplace for both our staff and the patients we care for.

A big thank you to everyone who brought food and helped make the day enjoyable.

Staff Update

Dr Chris Maud – Available at Milford Family Medical Centre

We are pleased to let our patients know that Dr Chris Maud continues to be part of the team at Milford Family Medical Centre.

Dr Maud is currently available for appointments on:

• Monday afternoons

• Wednesday afternoons

If you would like to book an appointment with Dr Maud, please book online through the Myindici (patient portal) or contact our reception team.

Enrolling New Patients

Milford Family Medical Centre is currently welcoming new patients.

We are pleased to advise that Dr Meg Thomson, Dr Anna Chen, and Dr Rukshi Lewis are all accepting new enrolments.

You can enrol by:

• Completing the enrolment form through our Website, or

• Visiting our clinic, where our reception team will be happy to assist you.

We look forward to welcoming you and providing you with quality healthcare for you and your family.

Health Topic of the month:

Winter Wellness (Protect Yourself Against Flu and Respiratory Illness)

Winter is here, and it is important to take steps to protect yourself and your whānau from common winter illnesses such as influenza (flu), colds, and respiratory infections.

Simple ways to stay well this winter include:

• Getting your flu vaccination if you are eligible

• Washing your hands regularly and staying home when unwell

• Keeping warm and maintaining a healthy lifestyle

• Managing ongoing conditions such as asthma, COPD, and heart conditions

• Booking a GP appointment early if you have concerns or worsening symptoms

If you need advice about winter health, vaccinations, or managing your health conditions, please contact our team at Milford Family Medical Centre.

Health Care Reminders

• HPV screening

• Immunisations (flu, childhood vaccines, Whooping cough, Shingrix)

• Cardiovascular and Diabetes annual checks- require some blood test

Need a repeat prescription?

You can save time and take advantage of our discounted repeat prescription request fee by ordering through MyIndici (Patient Portal).

Submitting your request online is a faster and more efficient way to communicate with your GP. It allows us to process your request more smoothly and helps reduce waiting times.

Aclasta and Iron Infusion Services Available

Milford Family Medical Centre provides Aclasta (zoledronic acid) and iron infusion services at our clinic.

Aclasta infusions are commonly used in the management of conditions such as osteoporosis and help to strengthen bones and reduce the risk of fractures.

Iron infusions may be recommended for patients who have low iron levels or iron deficiency when oral iron supplements are not suitable or have not been effective (criteria may apply)

If you think you may need an Aclasta or iron infusion, please discuss this with your GP first. Your doctor will assess your health needs, review any necessary tests, and determine whether an infusion is appropriate for you.

Important reminders...

Missed Appointments

If you are unable to attend your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer the appointment time to another patient.

Missed appointments (DNAs – Did Not Attend) can affect access to care for others.

Plan Ahead for Winter Healthcare Needs

Winter is a busy time for healthcare services. We encourage patients to book appointments ahead of time if you have ongoing health concerns, regular reviews, or need to discuss any winter related health needs.

Request Repeat Prescriptions Before You Run Out

Please remember to request your repeat prescriptions before your medication runs out. You can conveniently submit your request through MyIndici Patient Portal, which helps us process requests more efficiently.

Keep Your Community Services Card Updated

If you have a Community Services Card, please ensure your details are current and let us know if your card status changes. This helps us ensure your records are accurate and that you receive any applicable benefits.