Our Staff.

Great staff make for a great experience for you and ultimately better health because you get the service and the treatment you need. We have doctors, nurses, a physiotherapist, a dietitian and a fantastic admin and support team too.

Our Doctors

Dr Eve Fitzgerald

MBChB

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Eve grew up in Christchurch and graduated from University of Otago School of Medicine in 2012. Working for a number of years at Christchurch hospital, Eve transitioned to General Practice after the birth of her twins and has been at Village Health since 2018. Eve enjoys all aspects of General Practice, and is experienced in IUCD/implant insertion and minor surgery. Outside of work, Eve is a busy Mum to 3 children under 5, and enjoys spending time with family exploring Christchurch, travel, and a nice glass of wine.

Eve is currently accepting new patients.

Dr Miriam Martin

MBChB, DCH, DipObst, DipCEM, MBA

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Miriam is the managing director of Village Health and has a vast experience in Emergency Medicine and managing businesses. Miriam has a special interest in Urgent Care, Paediatrics (especially teenagers) and Women’s Health. Miriam really encourages all her patients to consider their lifestyle as a strong driver of their health, that is: diet, exercise and sleep and reducing smoking and alcohol. Being a mum herself and married to a youth worker, she really enjoys looking after babies, children and teenagers. You will no doubt see her if you book into an acute clinic and is available for “girlie” concerns if you are not comfortable with your normal doctor.

Miriam is currently accepting new patients.

Dr Isobel Platt

MBChB

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Isobel graduated from Sheffield University in 2012 and completed GP training in 2017 in the UK.

She is enjoying exploring New Zealand and getting outdoors whenever possible. Isobel enjoys most outdoors activities including running, biking, tramping and swimming.

Isobel has experience in psychiatry, elderly medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology, palliative care and oncology giving her a wide range of experience to use in general practice.

Isobel is not currently accepting new patients.

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Isobel graduated from Sheffield University in 2012 and completed GP training in 2017 in the UK.

She is enjoying exploring New Zealand and getting outdoors whenever possible. Isobel enjoys most outdoors activities including running, biking, tramping and swimming.

Isobel has experience in psychiatry, elderly medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology, palliative care and oncology giving her a wide range of experience to use in general practice.

Isobel is not currently accepting new patients.

Dr Janine Close

MBChB (Otago), DipObst, FRNZCGP

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Janine is a very experienced GP who is particular about detail, and works hard to ensure nothing is missed. It is great to walk life’s journey with a wide variety of interesting and wonderful people and navigate the health challenges that arise.

When not at Village Health she is working as a clinical editor writing expert GP advice for the Canterbury District Health Board’s online resources.

Janine is currently accepting new patients, however works only part-time so you may need to wait a few days for an appointment.

Dr Janine Searle

BSc, MBChB (Auckland), Dip Paeds, FRNZCGP

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Janine has been working on the North Side of Christchurch in General Practice for the last 4 years but has joined us to be more available to her school aged children. Janine loves the variety in General Practice and her experience ranges from paediatrics (2 years at Starship Hospital) right through to geriatrics and palliative care. Janine has also taken on the role as house doctor at Bishop Selwyn Lifecare as she enjoys the challenge that this older age group brings.

Janine is not currently accepting new patients.

Dr Ibrahim Al-Busaidi

MBChB (Otago), BMedSc(Hons)

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Ibrahim has been working as a doctor in the Christchurch area since he graduated from Otago Medical School in 2016.

He gained a broad range of experience in hospital-based medicine before starting a family and commencing his community medicine career. He enjoys the variety and continuity of care of family medicine.

He has a special clinical and research interest in diabetes and chronic cardiovascular problems.

When not at the medical centre, Ibrahim is involved in general practice research and medical student teaching at the Christchurch School of Medicine.

Ibrahim is not currently accepting new patients.

Dr Jinhee Ahn

MBChB (Otago), Dip. Child Health

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Jinhee was born in South Korea and moved with her family to Christchurch at a young age. She graduated from medical school at the University of Otago and has experience in a wide variety of specialties with a special interest in mental health and paediatrics, completing a postgraduate Diploma in Child Health during her time working at Christchurch Hospital. Jinhee enjoys the variety of General Practice and being able to work alongside patients throughout their health journey. In her spare time she loves travelling, both within New Zealand and overseas.

Jinhee is not currently enrolling new patients.

Dr Joan Leighton

MBChB (Otago), FRNZCGP

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Joan is an experienced GP having worked part time in Christchurch for many years. She enjoys all aspects of General Practice and has a special interest in heart disease.

She finds building a relationship with patients and their whanau very rewarding. Joan also has a strong interest in patient education and works as a Clinical Editor for the Healthinfo patient information web site.

Outside work interests include walking, reading and watching sport.

Joan is currently accepting new patients, however works only part-time so you may have to wait a few days for an appointment.

Tune Up Physiotherapy

Susan Saul

Dip. Phys. MNZSP; Dip, MT, Cred MDT

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I trained as a physio in Otago in 1983 and went on to complete my Manipulative physiotherapy qualification in 1993. I am a 'McKenzie therapist' which means as part of my practice, I can make mechanical diagnoses and perform manipulative therapy of the back, neck and joints in general.

My career commenced working in Wellington in private practice. A highlight being the McKenzie Institute clinics, particularly the live-in rehabilitation centre for people with Low Back Pain.

I enjoy the variety of people, conditions and injuries which come to the clinic which allows me to draw on my broad range of experience of 25+ years (you do the Maths). I pay close attention to peoples lifestyle: work, exercise, hobbies, sport, and general activities, and include these in rehabilitation from an injury or condition.

In my spare time I love to get out into the outdoors with my family and particularly enjoy skiing and tramping. As part of my fitness regimen, I enjoy also playing tennis and swimming.

I moved to Christchurch with my family just in time for the Earthquakes. I have 3 adult children, one of whom is also a physio!

Kristina Saul

BPHTY, NZMPA

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I graduated from the University of Otago School of Physiotherapy in 2018 and have recently returned to Christchurch from working and studying in Dunedin to join the TuneUp team at Village Health.

I am passionate about musculoskeletal physiotherapy and I'm one of New Zealand's only Voice Physios. I have a very a special interest in the performing arts, particularly working with singers and dancers and am myself heavily involved in the industry. This allows me to bring an an insider’s knowledge to these specialised art forms.

I enjoy taking exercise classes, and currently I am leading TuneUp Physio’s Online classes (see www.tuneupphysio.nz for more info).

Tune Up Physiotherapy Exercise Classes

Tune Up Physiotherapy offers exercise classes on Monday nights at the St Martins Church, 50 Lincoln Road and at Village Health on Tuesday mornings. The Monday night classes are low impact and focus on stretching and strength exercises and are suitable for all levels, beginners are most welcome. Tuesday morning's class focuses on balance and strength work for falls prevention.

Click here for more information 2021 Exercise classes

Online Workout Videos and Interesting links

Click on the links below!

Quarantine Baked Bean Body Blast (ft. Dad).

Shoulder Stress Reliever

60 second tension release for Desktop Warriors

Physio's review popular walking tracks in Christchurch - a must look

Our Nurses

Sabina

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Berny - Team Leader

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I emigrated to New Zealand from the UK in 2013 when my first grandchild was born. My previous experience in the UK was in Secondary Care as I worked for 17 years in ED, the last 12 of which as an Emergency Nurse Practitioner.

Since emigrating to NZ I have worked at the 24 Hour Surgery in Christchurch as the Clinical Nurse Leader and I am now very much looking forward to working in Primary Care..

I am a social person and enjoy spending time with friends and family. Both my son and daughter live in Christchurch and I now have 4 beautiful grandchildren! I am an active relaxer, I enjoy cooking, baking, walking, cycling, craftwork and gardening. I live near the Port Hills and the Heathcote River which makes it easy to get outdoors to walk and cycle.

I aspire to help patients receive the best care and I enjoy working with a team.

Pamela

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Pamela was born in the UK and has lived in Dubai and Ireland before settling in NZ, which she now considers home.

She trained at Ara gaining her Bachelor of Nursing in 2016 after completing her family with 5 children.

She has worked in Secure dementia care, rest home care, District nursing and Practice Nursing. She is passionate about prevention and screening of cancers after losing her Dad to bowel Cancer in 2018.

She also loves wound care and has completed post graduate papers in wound assessment and management.

When not working she likes to read, go for walks with her hubby and children and watch Dr. Pimple popper videos on YouTube.

Healthcare Assistant

Mary-Ann

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Born and bred in Tokoroa, a small forestry town in the middle of the North Island, my husband and I left there in 1987 and have moved around the country with our six children (all adults now, some with their own children).

We have moved back to Christchurch, having lived here twice before, to support and enjoy time with our son and daughter in-law and three of our 13 grandchildren.

I love the flat plains of Christchurch that enable me to cycle/walk longer distances than normal, although I have found the odd hill to struggle up!

Dietitian

Leanne

NZ Registered Dietitian, MDiet, BSc

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Leanne is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the staff and patients of Village Health Lincoln Road. Born and bred in rural North Canterbury, Leanne loves getting outdoors, listening to music and visits to the beach.

Leanne is ready and able to address any dietary concerns including advice around weight and diabetes management, reduction of high blood pressure and cholesterol, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), food intolerances, pregnancy and some areas of paediatric nutrition.

Check out our monthly healthy eating tips here

Administration Team

Vanessa - Administration Manager

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Born and bred in South Canterbury, Vanessa has worked across a range of industries with a background in business, administration, governance and human resource management!

Vanessa is excited to join the team at Village Health. She keeps busy with her 2 daughters, and loves living in Christchurch and exploring all our city has to offer.

Vanessa enjoys gardening, handcrafts, home renovation, reading, cooking, Zumba, walking and church.

Karen

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Moving from Southland in 1998 to start work at Lincoln Road Medical Practice has been both rewarding and enjoyable. I enjoy the variety of people and work that General Practice brings, being able to assist with patient requests brings me great satisfaction in my work. I am from Ngai Tahu decent, married to Michael with three adult children. My interests include the outdoors, camping, spending time with whanau and my wonderful wee grandson.

Harriet

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Harriet was born in England and moved to New Zealand when she was three. She was raised on Auckland's North Shore, studied in Dunedin and now enjoys living and working in Christchurch which she calls her home.

Harriet started working at the practice in 2020 and thrives on learning new things and meeting new people.

She admits to having a soft spot for baked goods and desserts, and her hobbies include sport, travel and music.

Ali

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Pip

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