Welcome to Our July Newsletter!
Dear All
Winter is well and truly here, and with it comes the usual mix of seasonal bugs and chilly mornings. In this month’s newsletter, we’re sharing updates to help you stay well and informed—We’re highlighting some of the great services available at Village Health. As always, we’re here to support you and your whānau—thank you for being part of our community!
Booking Online - MMH
We’ve just opened up the Manage My Health App for booking appointments online and ironing out the last wrinkles! Booking appointments online is easy with the Manage My Health app. If you’ve used it before but can’t find it on your device, check back through your emails—many patients have already registered but haven’t yet activated their account. If you need help getting set up, our friendly reception team is happy to assist. Don’t worry if you can’t find a time that suits on the app—only a portion of our appointments are made available online. We hold slots for acute, infectious, “on-the-day,” and “Rapid Clinic” needs, and have several doctors dedicated to overflow, so there’s plenty of capacity to see you when needed.
It's Not Too Late to Update Your COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines!
We’re still seeing a steady rise in flu and COVID-19 cases across Canterbury, so if you haven’t had your vaccines yet, it’s not too late – Give us a call. Don’t forget, Covid19 boosters are free and the Flu vaccine is free if you meet certain criteria. According to the latest Canterbury HealthPathways data, influenza and other respiratory viruses continue to circulate widely in our community, with hospitalisations from influenza climbing week by week. Staying up to date with your COVID-19 booster and annual flu vaccine is one of the best ways to protect yourself—and those around you—from serious illness this winter. Book your vaccination by calling reception or talk to your GP or nurse at your next visit.
Plenty of clinic appointments available on-the-day:
Our PIP (Potentially Infectious Persons) Clinic: Safe, Separate, and Specialist Care
At Village Health, we take infection control seriously to protect both our patients and staff. Our PIP Clinic is a dedicated space for patients who may have infectious symptoms, such as cough, fever, or a sore throat. This specially designed clinic includes negative pressure ventilation, reducing the risk of airborne transmission, and our doctors wear full PPE during your consultation. The clinic opens directly to the carpark—so there’s no need to walk through the main building—and you’ll be called straight into our warm, purpose-built space when it’s your turn. Patients are usually triaged on the day into the PIP Clinic by our nurses or reception team for an afternoon appointment. If you’re assessed as more unwell, you’ll be seen earlier in the day in our acute infectious space behind the ambulance bay. We're here to provide safe and thorough care, whatever your symptoms.
Carpark view of our “Ruma Karaka” or “Orange Room” where we run our PIP Clinic including an inside view of the clinic space.
Acute Clinics – Urgent Care When You Need It
If you have urgent (and non-infectious) symptoms that can’t wait, our Acute Clinics run every morning to make sure you’re seen promptly. Conditions like abdominal pain, vomiting, migraines, chest pain, or urinary tract infections are triaged by our experienced nurses, who will assess whether you need to be seen that day. Our dedicated acute care team, made up of a doctor and nurse, work together in a separate acute area to manage your condition efficiently and safely. This service ensures that patients with serious or sudden symptoms get the care they need—without delay.
New Patients – Yes! We’re Taking New Enrolments
Yes, we’re welcoming new enrolments and have plenty of capacity to care for you and your whānau! Wait times to see your own GP are typically just 1–2 weeks—which we think is great—but we also offer plenty of on-the-day appointments for urgent or infectious issues. We reserve time with your regular doctor for urgent needs and have several GPs dedicated to overflow. Our “Rapid Clinic” is also available for those things that just can’t wait. If you know someone in Christchurch or Rolleston and the Selwyn District looking for a new GP, please feel free to share this newsletter—we’d love to help. It's easy to enrol: go to www.villagehealth.co.nz and click on the “enrol now” button and follow the instructions – once you’ve filled out the form, we do the rest -there’s no need to contact your previous practice.
Kickstart Your Wellness Journey with Village Health’s Weight Management Clinic
Are you ready to take control of your health and embark on a sustainable weight loss journey? Led by Dr Sri, a General Practitioner at Village Health with a special interest in Obesity medicine and its causes, the Weight Management Clinic offers an evidence-based, personalised plan tailored just for you. In your 60‑minute initial appointment, Dr Shri will explore your weight history, physical and mental health, and past treatments to recommend the most effective approach, with support from dietitians, exercise consultants, and health coaches.
Appointments run every Wednesday afternoon, ensuring consistent follow-up and care. To get started, visit villagehealth.co.nz/weightmanagementclinic where you’ll find the pre-appointment questionnaire and food diary. Then call us on 03 338 8595 to book your consultation and begin your journey toward better health.
Dr Sri Lamba – GP with a special interest in weight management.
Thanks for Reading – Stay Well This Winter!
That’s all for our July update—thank you for taking the time to stay connected with us. We hope this information helps you and your whānau stay well through the colder months. As always, our team at Village Health is here to support you with expert care, friendly service, and plenty of appointment options to suit your needs. If you have any questions or want to know more about anything mentioned in this newsletter, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Stay warm, stay well, and we’ll see you soon!
Best Wishes from The Village Health Team
Where to read more:
Our website: Village Health Medical Centre Christchurch
Facebook: Village Health Canterbury
Instagram: Village_Health_Canterbury