December 2018 News
A warm welcome to the Millhouse Community and to other readers.
There are only a few days to go before Xmas and I'm looking forward to the extended public holiday break. This is an opportunity to spend quality time with friends and family, hopefully enjoying sunny days, outdoor recreational pursuits and BBQ meals together.
Allow the sun on your skin for 10-20min each day, to build vitamin D stores, but avoid getting burnt. In the last newsletter, 5th year medical student Una Cahill encouraged use of protective measures to prevent sun damage. She advised us to examine our skin often to detect changing blemishes and moles and especially to be concerned about lesions that don't heal.
For some however, seeing others celebrating over the Xmas and New Year period can magnify loneliness and despair. We are open during the Xmas-New Year break, (apart from the public holidays and the Monday following Xmas) so if you are struggling with personal issues over this time, don't hesitate to make an appointment to see the practice nurse or doctor. Under the Counties DHB CCM
In this issue...
- Christmas Hours
- Sunny days mean more skin care needed
- Christmas can be a tough time for some; if you're struggling with sadness or depression, remember we offer a listening ear and in some cases referral to free counselling.
- Fees update 1 December with changes to CSC ptients
- normal consults for 13 and under are FREE
- and this month
Dr Ric writes ancient remedy Black Seed, and its extraordinary health benefits.
depression programme, you may be entitled to free follow-up consultations with your family doctor, or referral for Cognitive Behaviour Therapy with a trained psychologist.
Remember East Care A&E is open 24 hours each day, for all emergencies, during this time.
MILLHOUSE NEWS
COMMUNITY SERVICE CARDS and REDUCED FEES – From December 1st, the 20% of Millhouse patients who have Community Service Cards (CSC) will have received a considerable reduction in their consultation fee. Reception will continue to remind you when paying that you might be eligible for a CSC. The Work and Income website provides more information on making a CSC application.
13 years and UNDER are now free for 15min consultations. However an additional charge will apply for long consultations and other procedures like wart removal with liquid nitrogen. View the current Millhouse Integrative Medical Centre fees here.
PROACTIVE PATIENT CARE (PPC)
From March 2019 Counties DHB will discontinue the subsidised PPC programme for those with complex medical conditions who currently see the practice nurse free and doctor for a nominal fee. We have been informed that South Auckland has greater health needs, and that funding will be directed to those communities.
East Health PHO is now vigorously disputing the DHB decision and we hope a revised programme will continue to assist Millhouse patients with greater medical need, particularly at times when intensive therapy is needed.
CHRISTMAS HOURS
24th Christmas Eve closing at 5pm.
25th and 26th December closed - MERRY CHRISTMAS
27th and 28th open, closing at 5pm
Saturday 29th closed
Monday 31st closed PLEASE NOTE
1st and 2nd January 2019 closed - HAPPY NEW YEAR
Almost 2500 years ago, Hippocrates gave us the most important medical prescription when he said
'Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food'. This month Dr Ric writes about the ancient panacea Nigella sativa, Black Seed, also known as Black Cumin. This tiny seed can be added to your normal diet for a range of healthful benefits.
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Yours in good health
Dr Ric Coleman and the Millhouse Team