Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Prescriptions & Refills
- Non-Urgent Requests: Please allow up to 4 working days for your request to be processed carefully and sent to your chosen pharmacy.
- Urgent Requests: Please allow up to 2 working days.
- To avoid any gaps in your treatment, please do not wait until you have completely run out of medication before requesting a refill.
Fees are payable at the time of your request:
- Standard (4 working days): $20 for Community Services Card (CSC) holders / $27 for non-cardholders.
- Urgent (2 working days): $25 for Community Services Card (CSC) holders / $30 for non-cardholders.
No. To ensure your safety, requests for new medications, antibiotics, or changes to your current medication require a clinical assessment and discussion with the GP. Please book an appointment with your doctor. Please note that we do not have Nurse Practitioners at our clinic at this time.
If you have not had a face-to-face or phone medical review with your GP in the last six months, you may be required to book an appointment before your next repeat prescription can be safely issued.
Appointments & Consultations
Standard appointments are 15 minutes long and are dedicated to addressing one medical concern. This policy ensures that each issue receives the focused time, safety, and care it deserves.
To make the most of your time, we recommend making a list of your concerns and placing the most urgent item at the top. Please let your doctor know your list at the start of the consultation so a plan can be made.
Please note that appointments lasting longer than 15 minutes—including the time needed for notes, referrals, and prescriptions—will be charged accordingly and may incur a double consultation fee. If you know you need extra time, please inform reception when booking.
Blood Tests & Investigation Results
To ensure clinical safety, our policy is that we only contact patients regarding results if follow-up care is deemed necessary by your GP. If you do not hear from us, your results are tracking as expected.
Yes, you have two options to view your recent results:
- ManageMyHealth Portal (Free): You can log in to your ManageMyHealth portal to view your results securely online at any time for free.
- Emailed/Printed Copy ($10+ fee): Alternatively, you can contact us to request that a copy to be emailed or printed for you. Please note there is an administrative charge of $10+ for this service.
Absolutely. If you wish to discuss what your results mean for your health, an appointment with your doctor is required to ensure you receive proper clinical advice.
No. All medical investigations and bloodtests must be clinically authorized by your doctor. If you believe you require a blood test, please book a consultation for an assessment.
New Patients, Enrolments
Yes. St. John’s Medical Centre is currently accepting enrolments. To support those in our community without a doctor, we are prioritizing individuals and whānau who are new to the district or are not currently enrolled with another practice. We warmly welcome whānau groups, children and babies. You can enrol online our website or fill up the enrolment forms in person.
The enrolment process typically takes 2 weeks. This time frame depends largely on how quickly your clinical notes and medical history are transferred to us from your previous clinic.
Immigration
Please do not call the standard booking line for this. Instead, please complete the online form right here on our website under the Immigration Medical tab, or visit our clinic in person to fill out the paperwork. Remember, you must bring your physical passport with you.
The fee paid to St. John’s Medical Centre covers only the clinical services and examinations provided within our clinic.
Any required blood tests or chest X-rays must be paid for separately and directly to the hospital, laboratory, or radiology facility where those services are performed.
If you or your family member requires assistance communicating in English, please note the strict safety, legal, and Immigration New Zealand requirements below:
- When is an interpreter required? Immigration New Zealand mandates that a professional interpreter must be present if the patient cannot comfortably and fluently complete a complex medical consultation, give an accurate medical history, or understand clinical instructions in English.
- Approved Interpreters Only: To ensure legal and clinical accuracy, the interpreter must be an official, independent professional. Family members, friends, or children cannot act as interpreters under any circumstances during your medical exam.
- Organize in Advance: Please notify our clinic team that you require an interpreter as soon as you submit your paperwork. This must be arranged and confirmed before your appointment date to ensure a certified professional is available.
- Fees: Please note that any costs associated with booking a professional interpreter are the responsibility of the patient.
