FREE Emergency Assessment Fund Clinics
We are very excited to announce Dr Paul Anderson (MBChB, FRACS, FRCS (Edin), PhD MA/ Dip Tch) will be basing the Emergency Assessment Fund Clinic at KMC. FREE specialist consultations will be available for those with financial hardship.
Patients will need to consult their GP and get a referral letter and then call 07 323 6249 to make an appointment. Find out more about the Emergency Assessment fund here. Read more about Dr Paul Anderson here. Bay Audiology Kawerau Clinic at KMC
Bay Audiology is now available in Kawerau! A new satellite clinic at KMC will offer all the best services including:
FREE Orthopaedic Clinics
KMC is proud to have Mr Nigel Giles - MB, FRCS, FRACS (Orth); Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon at the Bay Of Plenty District Health Board. Mr Giles is a General Orthopaedic Surgeon, and also specialises in Upper Limb and Hand surgery.
The FREE KMC Orthopaedic Clinic provides an outpatient service for patients with orthopaedic and musculoskeletal conditions. Mr Giles offers a comprehensive consultation and pre/post-operative service which is FREE to all ACC patients (including those not enrolled at KMC). Please phone 07 3236249 for further information and bookings. KMC Specialist Centre
KMC Specialist Centre is now OPEN!
KMC Specialist Centre will allow visiting Specialists to see patients and perform operations here in Kawerau without the need to travel. KMC Specialist Centre aims to provide Specialists with a first-class location in Kawerau/EBOP to hold Outreach clinics. A brand new day theatre and ancillary services are also available if required. KMC can now provide Specialist services in addition to our current GP/Pharmacy/Laboratory services. Extension Update
The new extension to Kawerau Medical Centre is well on the way to be being finished by the end of October.
The extension will provide two more Doctor consultation rooms (six in total), and a large nurses room/day theatre. This will allow KMC to provide Specialist services in addition to our current GP/Pharmacy/Laboratory services. The upgrade and extension of the Kawerau Medical Centre form a major platform for future growth in medical services in Kawerau. The work is driven by significant growth and patient demand and the steady increase in patient enrolments since KMC opened last year. Healthcare Assistant top performer at EBPHA awards night
Congratulations to our Healthcare Assistant Nerina, she won the Immunisation Champion and Cervical Screening Champion at the EBPHA 2015 Awards.
Healthcare Assistants are important members of KMC's clinical team and it is great to see her hard work rewarded. Well done Nerina! Award-winning Kawerau practice owners think outside the square - New Zealand Doctor 10/6/15
When Kawerau Medical Centre did not make a profit for the first 10 months, Emily Hermanson’s belief that starting a new practice would be as easy as opening a dairy was quelled.
However, the hard work of the GP and her fiancé, Lance McNicholas, who together opened the Bay of Plenty practice has paid off, winning them an award at last year’s Horizon Energy Business Excellence awards. One year later, the practice already has 3000 patient enrolments, and the founders are welcoming a visit from another curious local practice manager into their no-booking, walk-in-only clinic, for an insight into operational secrets. What’s the secret that made Horizon Energy give Kawerau Medical Centre the “best new business” title last year? For starters, a gold-standard business mentor – last year’s New Zealander of the Year, Kaitaia GP Lance O’Sullivan. He was three years ahead of Dr Hermanson at medical school, and on TV she’d seen him doing well so she emailed him, more or less the stranger that he was. He helped project manage the building of a designer practice with art-imprinted walls fit for Auckland’s posh Remuera, and threw in his pearls of wisdom. Dr O’Sullivan’s top tip, Dr Hermanson (34) tells New Zealand Doctor, is: “Thinking outside the square, with the healthcare assistants. “When I heard that, it was just like a light-bulb [moment], so we employed these healthcare assistants on his recommendations”, she says. Each doctor at the Kawerau practice has one healthcare assistant, trained to perform basic clinical tasks such as checking blood pressure and filling out ACC forms. This assistant sees the patient before the doctor. Feedback from the community has been positive. After all, the Kawerau community is used to such a shortage of doctors that in the past, they would visit nearby Whakatane Hospital’s ED instead when sick. The practice’s record four-minute wait-time for patients can be put down to both the healthcare assistants and its longer hours; it opens at 7am Monday to Friday and has a late night on Monday, Dr Hermanson says. “It’s been a win-win for the whole community.” Dr Hermanson has 10 years’ experience as a doctor, and last year completed her GP fellowship. But it’s her fiancé – whose background is in forestry and log trading – who has the “business brain”, she says. The practice’s director, Mr McNicholas, is also behind the sales and marketing and motivated the idea to open a practice. “He just said: ‘You have got to go out on your own.’” It was easier said than done. Originally from Opotiki, Dr Hermanson was keen to stay there, but demand for GPs in that town is low. Instead, they approached the local council in Kawerau, and, once they had its nod of approval, bought a large hall on the main street. They have also had to overcome some large financial obstacles; the biggest was getting capitation funding. Dr Hermanson and Mr McNicholas unknowingly opened the day after the capitation extraction date, so they didn’t get paid for the first five months. “If we had have known then, we would have tried to delay our opening date.” Fortunately, the couple has a good bank manager and could borrow against their three freehold houses to pay staff wages in the interim, and they are finally breaking even. “It hasn’t been easy, but the rewards have been huge.” The couple is pleased to share their experience. “Lance [O’Sullivan] was good enough to show us what to do, so we just think why not spread the word.” Helping to Train our Future Doctors
Kawerau Medical Centre is proud to be part of the University of Auckland Teaching Programme.
Recently, Dominic Smith joined our team, a Medical Student in his 4th Year of training. All the best Dominic, we hope you enjoyed your time in Kawerau! Kawerau Girls Make BOP Regional Touch TeamIn November last year teams from all around the Bay of Plenty trialled for a spot in the Bay of Plenty Touch age group teams.
Kawerau is lucky to have three young females selected to play; U15 Mixed - Savana Hepi U17 Girls - Sherraijka Bruintjes U17 Mixed - Fleur Moses-Pryor Kawerau Medical Centre is providing the financial support for the girls and in return once a week they are tidying our grounds and gardens. We will be starting fund raising initiatives with the girls and the other members of the Mataatua Kawerau U16 Girls Touch team in preparation for this years tournament later this year so watch this space. Happy New Year from KMC
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year - All the best for the year ahead from all the staff at KMC. Now is a good time to schedule in your health checks, come in no appointment required.
Forget Auckland, Retire in Kawerau!
Alan Devitt believes you can't look past Kawerau for value and lifestyle. The 79-year-old bought his first property in Kawerau three years ago for $130,000, and since then has bought another five houses - all for less than $100,000 each.
The town of 2500 had the fourth biggest decline in house sale prices - a 31.5 per cent drop from $159,249 in September 2007 to $109,141 in September this year, according to CoreLogic. The retired businessman moved from the East Coast to Kawerau and he and wife Anne believe the town's affordability and its lifestyle, community feel, facilities and services, including medical care, were better than anywhere else in New Zealand. Read the full article here. Free Wednesdays!
FREE WEDNESDAY'S!!
Great news, No FEES every Wednesday for the month of DECEMBER for enrolled patients. Merry Christmas Everybody from KMC! Ladies Month a Success
Beauty means Healthy inside and out
Thank you all our special ladies who took time out to attend our Ladies Month Promotion. Pictured here is the winner of the Beauty Pamper Hamper... Well done Carrie! November is... Ladies Month!
We've Reached a Milestone - 2000 Patients!
2000 Patients - Well done Kawerau!!!
Congratulations to our winners of the Frontier Helicopter Scenic Flight! Our 2000th patient + friend and two of our enrolled patients won a scenic Helicopter flight over Kawerau sponsored by Frontier Helicopters to celebrate the occasion. The flight is from Kawerau over Mt. Putauaki and up the Tarawera River to Mt. Tarawera. Check out our sponsor's website: www.frontierhelicopters.co.nz Meet Indiana - our Smoking Cessation Champion!
If you are keen to stop smoking and are ready to quit, come and talk to Indiana, Kawerau Medical Centre's Smoking Cessation Champion. She will provide you with all the information you need, ongoing support, and prescriptions for FREE Nicotine patches, gum or lozenges. She can help you reach your goal! Click here for more information on Stoptober.
Watch the Grand Opening of
Kawerau Medical Centre Click here to watch the Te Karere News interview on the Grand Opening of Kawerau Medical Centre, 30 May 2014. The highlight of the day was hearing inspirational Leader, and New Zealander of the Year 2014 Dr Lance O'Sullivan speak. The crowd was enthralled listening to Maisey Rika singing her song "Tangaroa Whakamautai". Thank you to everyone who came along and supported us at our opening! Click here if you would like to watch the full length Youtube video of the opening.
See you at the Monthly Kawerau Market
Look out for our bright red tent at the Kawerau market day. Come along and meet our friendly staff, we will be doing free health assessments, including blood pressure checks and diabetes screening for all members of the public. Enrolment forms will be available for those who wish to join Kawerau Medical Centre.
Way to go Kawerau!Kawerau - a town that turned it's prospects around. A new experiment is raising young people's aspirations in our poorest town, Kawerau. Read the NZ Herald story here.
Congratulations to Dr Emily Hermanson
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Kawerau Medical Centre were proud sponsors of the "OneFight for Lance" cross fit event organized by CrossFit Kawerau. It was a great day and wonderful to see the community supporting the Finau whanau through Lance's recovery after his accident.
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Dr Indira Edwards
Dr Indira Edwards (MB BS, FRNZCGP)
We are excited to have Dr Indira Edwards join our team (she previously worked at Total Health Doctors Whakatane). Dr Edwards has a wealth of experience within General Practice, in particular women's health and paediatrics, where she works in the Paediatric Department at Whakatane Hospital. We look forward to utilising her expertise to further improve our services.
Dr Edwards will be working at KMC Monday - Wednesday.
We are excited to have Dr Indira Edwards join our team (she previously worked at Total Health Doctors Whakatane). Dr Edwards has a wealth of experience within General Practice, in particular women's health and paediatrics, where she works in the Paediatric Department at Whakatane Hospital. We look forward to utilising her expertise to further improve our services.
Dr Edwards will be working at KMC Monday - Wednesday.
FREE Health checks for Edgecumbe patients
KMC is proud to be supporting whanau affected by the Edgecumbe Flood. Dr Emily and her team were at Rautahi Marae in Kawerau today doing FREE health checks for all evacuees staying at the Marae.
Thank you to the team at Tuwharetoa Ki Kawerau for coordinating this event, the nursing students from Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi for triaging and assessing patients, and K-Town Pharmacy for providing FREE medications/prescriptions for all patients seen today.
Thank you to the team at Tuwharetoa Ki Kawerau for coordinating this event, the nursing students from Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi for triaging and assessing patients, and K-Town Pharmacy for providing FREE medications/prescriptions for all patients seen today.
Merry Christmas from KMC
KMC would like to wish all our patients and supporters a very Merry Christmas and safe travels during the holiday period. KMC will be open during normal hours over the Christmas and New Year period, with the exception of public holidays.
Welcome our new staff
Nau mai and welcome to our two new staff members, Healthcare Assistant Kiriwai Peters and Receptionist Brooke Mansell.
Kawerau Medical Centre is proud to support our community by providing new jobs for local staff.
We are delighted to have them both on our team.
Kawerau Medical Centre is proud to support our community by providing new jobs for local staff.
We are delighted to have them both on our team.
KMC FREE Weight Loss Clinic
FREE KMC Weight Loss Clinic
If you are ready for a change and want to lose weight and improve your health, join our FREE weight loss clinic today. Our Healthcare Assistants can help track your weight loss, including assessing your weight, BMI, blood pressure, and advise you on diet and exercise.
Our Healthcare Assistants offer regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. KMC can help you to achieve a healthy weight, and enjoy the health benefits that it will bring.
If you are ready for a change and want to lose weight and improve your health, join our FREE weight loss clinic today. Our Healthcare Assistants can help track your weight loss, including assessing your weight, BMI, blood pressure, and advise you on diet and exercise.
Our Healthcare Assistants offer regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. KMC can help you to achieve a healthy weight, and enjoy the health benefits that it will bring.
New Extension to KMC Opens
The beautiful new extension to Kawerau Medical Centre is now open!
The extension has added three more consultation rooms (six in total), and a large nurses room/day theatre.
KMC can now offer Specialist Clinics and Hospital Outpatient Clinics in addition to our current GP/Pharmacy/Laboratory services.
The extension has added three more consultation rooms (six in total), and a large nurses room/day theatre.
KMC can now offer Specialist Clinics and Hospital Outpatient Clinics in addition to our current GP/Pharmacy/Laboratory services.
KMC welcomes new Healthcare Assistant
Nau mai and a big welcome to our new Healthcare Assistant Aroha Ruha.
Aroha is doing her Bachelor of Nursing degree at Te Wharewananga o Awanuiarangi. She will be working at KMC whilst doing her study.
We're delighted to have her on our team.
Aroha is doing her Bachelor of Nursing degree at Te Wharewananga o Awanuiarangi. She will be working at KMC whilst doing her study.
We're delighted to have her on our team.
Helping to Train our Future Doctors
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Kawerau Medical Centre is proud to be part of the University of Auckland Teaching Programme.
Recently, Sharon joined our team, a Medical Student in her 4th Year of training. All the best Sharon, we hope you enjoyed your time in Kawerau! |
Te Karere TV One Interview 1/9/15
Te Karere interview at KMC discussing Prostate Awareness Month starts today and men over the age of 40 are being encouraged to get a simple test for the disease. Mortality rates for Māori men from prostate cancer are a major concern.
Te Karere TV One Interview 6/7/15
Te Karere interview at KMC discussing KMC's Free GP visits to young people under 19yrs
Patient enrolments drive expansion
GROWING BUSINESS: Kawerau Medical Centre is extending its Islington Street premise to the footpath, with the official opening planned for October.
After opening its doors just 13 months ago, Kawerau Medical Centre is adding three new rooms to its Islington Street centre to accommodate growing enrolments.
Owner and general practitioner Emily Hermanson said the practice reached 3300 patients last month with more people joining each week.
“We are bursting at the seams. We want to employ more staff, but we can’t until we have more space.”
The extension will add two more consulting rooms for doctors and a new room for nurses, which will double as a site for day surgeries.
Dr Hermanson hoped this space would attract specialists to Kawerau so patients would not need to travel to Whakatane for appointments.
The new site will open in October and the completed building will extend to the footpath on Islington Street.
Along with visits from specialists, Dr Hermanson said she was interested in using the extra space to offer clinics about different health care topics, including rheumatic fever, cellulitis and diabetes.
When Kawerau Medical Centre first opened in 2014, Dr Hermanson planned to extend the centre’s building, but needed to reach 3000 patients to afford the alterations.
She said the centre’s success was based on attracting enrolments and providing services free of charge when possible, without appointments.
“We have tailored our business to suit the community’s needs,” Dr Hermanson said.
“Many people in Kawerau don’t have phones, transport, or child care, so they want to come in when they have time and the ability.”
She said a recent national health care study showed 28 percent of New Zealand adults had an unmet health need and the main barrier was not being unable to see a doctor on the day.
This model created a surge of patients – and Mondays and Fridays remained hectic – but after this initial influx the community would reach a point where its health needs were met, she said.
“Our goal is for Kawerau to have the healthiest population in the country.”
Dr Hermanson said a year after opening patients still thanked her for coming to Kawerau.
The centre was recognised by the wider Eastern Bay business community last year when it won the best-emerging-business award in November 2014 at the Horizon Business Excellence Awards.
Megan Hunt
[email protected]
After opening its doors just 13 months ago, Kawerau Medical Centre is adding three new rooms to its Islington Street centre to accommodate growing enrolments.
Owner and general practitioner Emily Hermanson said the practice reached 3300 patients last month with more people joining each week.
“We are bursting at the seams. We want to employ more staff, but we can’t until we have more space.”
The extension will add two more consulting rooms for doctors and a new room for nurses, which will double as a site for day surgeries.
Dr Hermanson hoped this space would attract specialists to Kawerau so patients would not need to travel to Whakatane for appointments.
The new site will open in October and the completed building will extend to the footpath on Islington Street.
Along with visits from specialists, Dr Hermanson said she was interested in using the extra space to offer clinics about different health care topics, including rheumatic fever, cellulitis and diabetes.
When Kawerau Medical Centre first opened in 2014, Dr Hermanson planned to extend the centre’s building, but needed to reach 3000 patients to afford the alterations.
She said the centre’s success was based on attracting enrolments and providing services free of charge when possible, without appointments.
“We have tailored our business to suit the community’s needs,” Dr Hermanson said.
“Many people in Kawerau don’t have phones, transport, or child care, so they want to come in when they have time and the ability.”
She said a recent national health care study showed 28 percent of New Zealand adults had an unmet health need and the main barrier was not being unable to see a doctor on the day.
This model created a surge of patients – and Mondays and Fridays remained hectic – but after this initial influx the community would reach a point where its health needs were met, she said.
“Our goal is for Kawerau to have the healthiest population in the country.”
Dr Hermanson said a year after opening patients still thanked her for coming to Kawerau.
The centre was recognised by the wider Eastern Bay business community last year when it won the best-emerging-business award in November 2014 at the Horizon Business Excellence Awards.
Megan Hunt
[email protected]
KAWERAU KING OF THE MOUNTAIN - DIAMOND JUBILEE - 60yrs
In 2015 we will celebrate the 60th Diamond Jubilee Anniversary of the toughest mountain race in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
It is still not for the faint hearted!
This is a grueling 8 km race to the summit of Putauaki and back - The ultimate challenge.
All finishers receive exclusive medals.
Sub 60 finishers t- shirts for those that can.
The Prince and Princess race (9-13 years) starts at 11 am and entry is free - mammoth race in itself.
Make history and be different....
It is still not for the faint hearted!
This is a grueling 8 km race to the summit of Putauaki and back - The ultimate challenge.
All finishers receive exclusive medals.
Sub 60 finishers t- shirts for those that can.
The Prince and Princess race (9-13 years) starts at 11 am and entry is free - mammoth race in itself.
Make history and be different....
Type: Running
Organiser: Kawerau Mountain Races
Start Date: Saturday, 31 Oct 2015 (09:00AM)
Contact: Meagan Edhouse
Status: Open (limit of 200 entrants)
Email: [email protected]
Venue: Firmin Field, Waterhouse Street, Kawerau
Phone: 07 306 9040
Location: Kawerau, New Zealand
Website: www.kaweraukingofthemountain.co.nz
Organiser: Kawerau Mountain Races
Start Date: Saturday, 31 Oct 2015 (09:00AM)
Contact: Meagan Edhouse
Status: Open (limit of 200 entrants)
Email: [email protected]
Venue: Firmin Field, Waterhouse Street, Kawerau
Phone: 07 306 9040
Location: Kawerau, New Zealand
Website: www.kaweraukingofthemountain.co.nz
Rugby superstar Sonny Bill Williams at Tarawera High School - Beacon 12/6/15
STAR POWER: Rugby superstar Sonny Bill Williams at Tarawera High School on Wednesday
GIRLS banged on their school hall’s windows when rugby superstar Sonny Bill Williams visited Tarawera High School on Wednesday.
The Chiefs and All Blacks midfielder made a surprise visit to the school as the New Zealand Rugby teenage rugby ambassador and as part of Maori rugby development programme E Tu Rangatahi.
Williams interacted with the students in rugby and non-rugby activities.
He spoke to them about goal-setting and having the right mindset to achieve their goals.
Student Levi Whata said it was great to have Williams and Maori All Black Joe Royal at the school.
“Being here in Kawerau it builds the morale. Sonny Bill is a normal person and the kids can aspire to be just like him. There have been girls banging on the windows and yelling out to him, and boys yelling out to him as well. The buzz at the school has been pretty cool.
“They are getting a sense that they can achieve. Sonny is real relaxed and very approachable. That helps.
If he had come down here with a top dog status, we wouldn’t have responded as well. He has come in with that family-man kind of manner.”
Williams said he enjoyed visiting smaller towns.
“The motivation comes from my childhood, being in a similar situation. It is awesome to be here and just to help out wherever I can,” he said.
“But it is not just about rugby; it is whatever trade or goal they want to pursue. I remembered that we had a couple of Blues players come to our school and that was pretty cool. Hopefully these kids remember us the same way.”
He said the Tarawera pupils were “very honest”.
“They are typical kids – some of them tease me. This group of kids, compared to a flash school in Auckland or somewhere, they’re exactly the same.”
He said he acknowledged it was “tougher to make it” in certain areas.
“But it doesn’t cost anything to have a positive mind-set, and that is the message we are trying to put out there. Of course it helps to have rugby to do that.”
GIRLS banged on their school hall’s windows when rugby superstar Sonny Bill Williams visited Tarawera High School on Wednesday.
The Chiefs and All Blacks midfielder made a surprise visit to the school as the New Zealand Rugby teenage rugby ambassador and as part of Maori rugby development programme E Tu Rangatahi.
Williams interacted with the students in rugby and non-rugby activities.
He spoke to them about goal-setting and having the right mindset to achieve their goals.
Student Levi Whata said it was great to have Williams and Maori All Black Joe Royal at the school.
“Being here in Kawerau it builds the morale. Sonny Bill is a normal person and the kids can aspire to be just like him. There have been girls banging on the windows and yelling out to him, and boys yelling out to him as well. The buzz at the school has been pretty cool.
“They are getting a sense that they can achieve. Sonny is real relaxed and very approachable. That helps.
If he had come down here with a top dog status, we wouldn’t have responded as well. He has come in with that family-man kind of manner.”
Williams said he enjoyed visiting smaller towns.
“The motivation comes from my childhood, being in a similar situation. It is awesome to be here and just to help out wherever I can,” he said.
“But it is not just about rugby; it is whatever trade or goal they want to pursue. I remembered that we had a couple of Blues players come to our school and that was pretty cool. Hopefully these kids remember us the same way.”
He said the Tarawera pupils were “very honest”.
“They are typical kids – some of them tease me. This group of kids, compared to a flash school in Auckland or somewhere, they’re exactly the same.”
He said he acknowledged it was “tougher to make it” in certain areas.
“But it doesn’t cost anything to have a positive mind-set, and that is the message we are trying to put out there. Of course it helps to have rugby to do that.”
After-hours service working for Kawerau practices
Whakatane Beacon Article 9/6/15
GENERAL practitioner and co-owner of Kawerau Medical Centre Emily Hermanson said her centre was funded by EBPHA to help provide the current after-hours service through Whakatane Hospital.
“We are not funded to provide any additional after-hours service and subsequently it is not be financially viable for us to open in the weekends,” she said.
Dr Hermanson said the after-hours service run through Whakatane Hospital worked well and provided GPs in the area with a sustainable, flexible roster.
She said the situation was unlikely to change unless extra funding was provided for an additional weekend service in Kawerau.
Her centre experienced limited demand for an additional after-hours service and the current arrangement appeared to be working well.
“We are not funded to provide any additional after-hours service and subsequently it is not be financially viable for us to open in the weekends,” she said.
Dr Hermanson said the after-hours service run through Whakatane Hospital worked well and provided GPs in the area with a sustainable, flexible roster.
She said the situation was unlikely to change unless extra funding was provided for an additional weekend service in Kawerau.
Her centre experienced limited demand for an additional after-hours service and the current arrangement appeared to be working well.
Bay Doctor wins prestigious International Award
I am humbled and honoured by the award but if I was asked which I get the bigger kick out of, community recognition or peer recognition, I would say the community. - Dr John Malcolm
Dr John Malcolm, a Bay of Plenty paediatrician says his receipt of a prestigious Australasian award for services to rural medicine is a reflection of teamwork rather than individual accomplishment.
Consultant paediatrician John Malcolm will receive the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) Rural and Remote Medal 2015 at a gala ceremony in Cairns, Australia, on Sunday. He says he is humbled by the award.
"I feel a bit embarrassed," Dr Malcolm said. "There is a sense of pride of course but I do feel like there's still a lot of unfinished business. I suppose you can look at it as a compliment to work in progress."
Dr Malcolm - who has given 25 years' service through Bay of Plenty hospitals in both Rotorua and, for the last eight years, in Whakatane - said the award reflected collective achievement.
"My willingness to accept it is largely as recognition of the teamwork it represents. It's a reflection of the paediatric team here and the community where we work. Any ventures we have successfully undertaken have been down to our involvement with the community and other healthcare providers including GPs, the Eastern Bay Primary Health Alliance (EBPHA) and Hauora."
He said the award, for which he was nominated by colleagues who also cited his contribution to Maori health, helps keep rural medicine in the spotlight.
"It flags rural and provincial health needs. A lot of our work focusses on metropolitan services being accessible to rural patients and part of that includes measures to ensure clinical workforce recruitment and retention."
His involvement in work on acute rheumatic fever has proven a career highlight says John; especially the early indications of a probable decline in acute rheumatic fever rates in the Bay.
In 2012, Dr Malcolm also received the Auckland University Distinguished Clinical Teacher Award. As an Honorary Senior Lecturer at Otago and Auckland universities he is involved in undergraduate curriculum development and teaching, as well as supervision and mentoring.
Moving forward, Mr Malcolm said his focus remained on serving rural and remote communities.
"I am humbled and honoured by the award but if I was asked which I get the bigger kick out of, community recognition or peer recognition, I would say the community. You go to Taneatua and in a crowded room you're working with the EBPHA, public health, six iwi-based Hauora and other health providers helping improve the health of school kids, that's very gratifying."
Consultant paediatrician John Malcolm will receive the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) Rural and Remote Medal 2015 at a gala ceremony in Cairns, Australia, on Sunday. He says he is humbled by the award.
"I feel a bit embarrassed," Dr Malcolm said. "There is a sense of pride of course but I do feel like there's still a lot of unfinished business. I suppose you can look at it as a compliment to work in progress."
Dr Malcolm - who has given 25 years' service through Bay of Plenty hospitals in both Rotorua and, for the last eight years, in Whakatane - said the award reflected collective achievement.
"My willingness to accept it is largely as recognition of the teamwork it represents. It's a reflection of the paediatric team here and the community where we work. Any ventures we have successfully undertaken have been down to our involvement with the community and other healthcare providers including GPs, the Eastern Bay Primary Health Alliance (EBPHA) and Hauora."
He said the award, for which he was nominated by colleagues who also cited his contribution to Maori health, helps keep rural medicine in the spotlight.
"It flags rural and provincial health needs. A lot of our work focusses on metropolitan services being accessible to rural patients and part of that includes measures to ensure clinical workforce recruitment and retention."
His involvement in work on acute rheumatic fever has proven a career highlight says John; especially the early indications of a probable decline in acute rheumatic fever rates in the Bay.
In 2012, Dr Malcolm also received the Auckland University Distinguished Clinical Teacher Award. As an Honorary Senior Lecturer at Otago and Auckland universities he is involved in undergraduate curriculum development and teaching, as well as supervision and mentoring.
Moving forward, Mr Malcolm said his focus remained on serving rural and remote communities.
"I am humbled and honoured by the award but if I was asked which I get the bigger kick out of, community recognition or peer recognition, I would say the community. You go to Taneatua and in a crowded room you're working with the EBPHA, public health, six iwi-based Hauora and other health providers helping improve the health of school kids, that's very gratifying."
Free GP Visits in May
Free GP Visits every Wednesday and Thursday in May 2015 between the hours of 1.00-2.00pm. See you there!
Why Immunise during Pregnancy?
It’s National Immunisation Week. This year, the focus is on immunisation for pregnant women. The free whooping cough immunisation helps protect babies as some of the mother’s immunity is passed to her baby. Watch the video to find out more.
Free GP Visits in April!
For the month of April 2015 it’s FREE for enrolled patients between the hours of 1.00 and 2.00pm every Thursday and Friday.
Enrolment takes just 5 minutes, and you have the option to see a female or male doctor.
Enrolment takes just 5 minutes, and you have the option to see a female or male doctor.
Kiaora Kawerau - NZ Herald Article, 6 Feb 2015
The Tarawera 100 cross-country motorcycle endurance race is an annual Kawerau event.
Where is it? At the base of Mt Putauaki (Edgecumbe), in the eastern Bay of Plenty, 283km from Auckland and 95km from Tauranga.
Origin of name: Kawerau was a grandson of the mighty chief Toi Kai Rakau and in Maori means "the carrier of the leaves".
Population: 6720, more than 60 per cent identifying as Maori.
Town mascot: Tarawera Falls and Mt Putauaki.
In the beginning: Kawerau was founded in 1953 when the pulp and paper mill was built. At the peak of construction 1800 workers called the place home, earning it a reputation as a party town. Legend has it every weekend women looking for husbands would roll up by the busload and local police would see them off on Monday morning.
Famous locals: John Rowles (music legend), Whirimako Black (actor), Ria van Dyke (Miss New Zealand 2010), Sarah Walker (world champion BMX rider), Eric Mackenzie (champion cyclist).
Artistic locals: Timo Rannali and Owen Dippie.
Best website: kaweraudc.govt.nz, kawerauonline.co.nz kawerau.org.nz.
Big business: The pulp and paper mill brings in most revenue, followed by farming.
Sources of pride: The friendly locals and the beautiful environment.
Local attractions: The Tarawera Ultra Marathon, the National Woodskills Competition and Woodfest. There are also dog agility shows and championships, bird shows and equestrian events. Or try your hand at The Big Three by bagging a pig, a deer and a trout. Kawerau is also one of the world's best venues for canoe slalom racing. The Tarawera 100 is a 160km cross-country motorcycle endurance race, held near the town each year.
Here for a short time? Walk the river, visit the rose gardens, check out the work of the local artists.
Best reason to stop: Go to Tarawera Falls and spend a few days camping at Lake Tarawera - it's heaven on earth.
Best place to take the kids: Take them for a swim in the council's free heated pools or let off steam at the local adventure park where you'll find miniature horses, a model railway, a water wheel, goldfish, a monster Meccano crane, model helicopters and more.
Best playground: Aside from the river, the playground by the New World is a beauty. It also has a skate park, lots of sports fields and netball courts. You can even go rollerblading along the concourse on River Rd.
Spend a penny: The Kawerau Information Centre has delightfully pristine facilities.
Best walk: Tarawera Outlet to the falls is gorgeous and takes about 2.5 hours return. It's mostly pretty flat and not too taxing. Stoneham Walk is also lovely or go to the rose gardens and wander along the river. The Monika Lanham Reservealso has pleasant paths for strolling.
Best view: Either gaze up at the maunga (mountain) or walk up it and look out, although you do need a permit to walk Putauaki. They can be readily obtained from Maori Investments House on Waterhouse St.
Best swim: Either the swimming pool or if you go to the i-Site the lovely people there can suggest great swimming spots along the river.
Best museum: The Sir James Fletcher Kawerau Museum is accessed through the Kawerau Library and is full of fascinating memorabilia and photographs.
Nice arts: Jive Cafe occasionally displays art, as does the information centre. Or go out to Lake Rotoma to Joe Kemp's sculpture gallery, visitors love it there.
Cream of the coffee: Jive Cafe, just out of town heading towards Tasman Mill, also does good food, including delicious pizzas and occasional dinners.
Baked: The Bakehouse is always crazy busy so clearly they're amazing - their chicken and chips and sushi are especially popular.
Best food: Knives and Forks do yummy grub and the Cossie Club provides meals as well.
Wet your whistle: The Cossie Club is grand for a drink, plus you'll get to meet the locals.
Best mountain biking: Monika Lanham Reserve has cool tracks under construction and there are a few tracks around town; the i-Site can tell you where to go.
Best adventure: Canoeing and rafting on the river is epic.
Best kept secret: Tarawera Falls won an award for being the best secret camping spot around, although it's probably not so secret anymore.
Mad props: The area is popular with property investors and the council is said to be really easy to work with - whether you're subdividing or extending, the powers that be make it easy and affordable.
Wildlife: The Manawahe Kokako Trust operates on private land and is now New Zealand's fourth-largest kokako colony. Thanks to pest control the population has risen from nine to more than 50, indeed all native birds are thriving. You can also fish for trout in the waters round here.
When locals have visitors: They take them to Lake Rotoma, stop by Joe Kemp's sculpture gallery and then go for a wander around the rose gardens and along the river.
Safety warnings: Be careful if you're camping around town because there's lots of geothermal activity and if you lie too close to the ground you can inhale the sulphur vapour. This isn't good for you - it won't kill you but it won't make you feel too flash either.
Locals say: Good as wood.
Visitors say: You can say that again.
Locals: Good as wood.
Read the full article here.
Where is it? At the base of Mt Putauaki (Edgecumbe), in the eastern Bay of Plenty, 283km from Auckland and 95km from Tauranga.
Origin of name: Kawerau was a grandson of the mighty chief Toi Kai Rakau and in Maori means "the carrier of the leaves".
Population: 6720, more than 60 per cent identifying as Maori.
Town mascot: Tarawera Falls and Mt Putauaki.
In the beginning: Kawerau was founded in 1953 when the pulp and paper mill was built. At the peak of construction 1800 workers called the place home, earning it a reputation as a party town. Legend has it every weekend women looking for husbands would roll up by the busload and local police would see them off on Monday morning.
Famous locals: John Rowles (music legend), Whirimako Black (actor), Ria van Dyke (Miss New Zealand 2010), Sarah Walker (world champion BMX rider), Eric Mackenzie (champion cyclist).
Artistic locals: Timo Rannali and Owen Dippie.
Best website: kaweraudc.govt.nz, kawerauonline.co.nz kawerau.org.nz.
Big business: The pulp and paper mill brings in most revenue, followed by farming.
Sources of pride: The friendly locals and the beautiful environment.
Local attractions: The Tarawera Ultra Marathon, the National Woodskills Competition and Woodfest. There are also dog agility shows and championships, bird shows and equestrian events. Or try your hand at The Big Three by bagging a pig, a deer and a trout. Kawerau is also one of the world's best venues for canoe slalom racing. The Tarawera 100 is a 160km cross-country motorcycle endurance race, held near the town each year.
Here for a short time? Walk the river, visit the rose gardens, check out the work of the local artists.
Best reason to stop: Go to Tarawera Falls and spend a few days camping at Lake Tarawera - it's heaven on earth.
Best place to take the kids: Take them for a swim in the council's free heated pools or let off steam at the local adventure park where you'll find miniature horses, a model railway, a water wheel, goldfish, a monster Meccano crane, model helicopters and more.
Best playground: Aside from the river, the playground by the New World is a beauty. It also has a skate park, lots of sports fields and netball courts. You can even go rollerblading along the concourse on River Rd.
Spend a penny: The Kawerau Information Centre has delightfully pristine facilities.
Best walk: Tarawera Outlet to the falls is gorgeous and takes about 2.5 hours return. It's mostly pretty flat and not too taxing. Stoneham Walk is also lovely or go to the rose gardens and wander along the river. The Monika Lanham Reservealso has pleasant paths for strolling.
Best view: Either gaze up at the maunga (mountain) or walk up it and look out, although you do need a permit to walk Putauaki. They can be readily obtained from Maori Investments House on Waterhouse St.
Best swim: Either the swimming pool or if you go to the i-Site the lovely people there can suggest great swimming spots along the river.
Best museum: The Sir James Fletcher Kawerau Museum is accessed through the Kawerau Library and is full of fascinating memorabilia and photographs.
Nice arts: Jive Cafe occasionally displays art, as does the information centre. Or go out to Lake Rotoma to Joe Kemp's sculpture gallery, visitors love it there.
Cream of the coffee: Jive Cafe, just out of town heading towards Tasman Mill, also does good food, including delicious pizzas and occasional dinners.
Baked: The Bakehouse is always crazy busy so clearly they're amazing - their chicken and chips and sushi are especially popular.
Best food: Knives and Forks do yummy grub and the Cossie Club provides meals as well.
Wet your whistle: The Cossie Club is grand for a drink, plus you'll get to meet the locals.
Best mountain biking: Monika Lanham Reserve has cool tracks under construction and there are a few tracks around town; the i-Site can tell you where to go.
Best adventure: Canoeing and rafting on the river is epic.
Best kept secret: Tarawera Falls won an award for being the best secret camping spot around, although it's probably not so secret anymore.
Mad props: The area is popular with property investors and the council is said to be really easy to work with - whether you're subdividing or extending, the powers that be make it easy and affordable.
Wildlife: The Manawahe Kokako Trust operates on private land and is now New Zealand's fourth-largest kokako colony. Thanks to pest control the population has risen from nine to more than 50, indeed all native birds are thriving. You can also fish for trout in the waters round here.
When locals have visitors: They take them to Lake Rotoma, stop by Joe Kemp's sculpture gallery and then go for a wander around the rose gardens and along the river.
Safety warnings: Be careful if you're camping around town because there's lots of geothermal activity and if you lie too close to the ground you can inhale the sulphur vapour. This isn't good for you - it won't kill you but it won't make you feel too flash either.
Locals say: Good as wood.
Visitors say: You can say that again.
Locals: Good as wood.
Read the full article here.
Touch Team does Town Proud
RGP 18Dec14 - (Back) Laynah Hemopo, Sherraijka Bruintjes, Princess Elliot, Stevana Tuhoro, Coral-Lee Graham, Jimmie Leigh Curry, Georgina Bruintjes, Jayda Stewart (front) Fleur Moses-Pryor, Parek
In October this year Kawerau mums Anneke Hepi and Debbie Maxwell formed a foundation touch team to compete in the Maori Touch Nationals in Rotorua at the beginning of December.
The under-16 team was the first team to come from Kawerau and play in Maori Touch Nationals.
"Players were carefully selected for the individual strengths they would bring to the team and most of the girls have known each other for years, which made for an instant united team culture," Anneke said.
The team consisted of 12 Kawerau girls and two Whakatane girls.
Under the wing of their coach, Darkie Reedy, the team took in every opportunity to enhance their skills, training twice a week at Firmin Field, Kawerau and attending a two day training camp before playing in the Kawerau Touch Tournament, then heading on to Rotorua for the Maori Touch Nationals.
"The representation of our area and participation of highly skilled young persons drew attention quickly. Community members would stop and watch the team practice and comment about the level of skill and positivity of the team," Anneke said.
"Many commented how proud they were of the girls representing our area."
The team played under Mataatua with great mana and strength and gained enormous experience at Nationals, coming away with three wins and one loss.
All the players and parents are looking forward to their return next year and would like to publicly thank their sponsors. Without their support the team would not have been as fortunate.
Thank you to Mataatua Sports Trust, Kawerau Medical Centre, Tuwharetoa 3 Peaks Kaumatua Group, A9 Land Trust and Kawerau New World for your generous donations.
"Also thanks to Kawerau South School for hosting the training camp and Rocky Masters for the beautiful artwork for the strip, and last but not least to the all the players' whanau for the behind-the-scenes player support".
- Whakatane News
In October this year Kawerau mums Anneke Hepi and Debbie Maxwell formed a foundation touch team to compete in the Maori Touch Nationals in Rotorua at the beginning of December.
The under-16 team was the first team to come from Kawerau and play in Maori Touch Nationals.
"Players were carefully selected for the individual strengths they would bring to the team and most of the girls have known each other for years, which made for an instant united team culture," Anneke said.
The team consisted of 12 Kawerau girls and two Whakatane girls.
Under the wing of their coach, Darkie Reedy, the team took in every opportunity to enhance their skills, training twice a week at Firmin Field, Kawerau and attending a two day training camp before playing in the Kawerau Touch Tournament, then heading on to Rotorua for the Maori Touch Nationals.
"The representation of our area and participation of highly skilled young persons drew attention quickly. Community members would stop and watch the team practice and comment about the level of skill and positivity of the team," Anneke said.
"Many commented how proud they were of the girls representing our area."
The team played under Mataatua with great mana and strength and gained enormous experience at Nationals, coming away with three wins and one loss.
All the players and parents are looking forward to their return next year and would like to publicly thank their sponsors. Without their support the team would not have been as fortunate.
Thank you to Mataatua Sports Trust, Kawerau Medical Centre, Tuwharetoa 3 Peaks Kaumatua Group, A9 Land Trust and Kawerau New World for your generous donations.
"Also thanks to Kawerau South School for hosting the training camp and Rocky Masters for the beautiful artwork for the strip, and last but not least to the all the players' whanau for the behind-the-scenes player support".
- Whakatane News
FREE Clinic 1-2pm Daily
Whats even better than Free Wednesdays? Free Everydays!!
Come along to our Free Clinic every day in February from 1-2pm.
See you there - kia tere! the clock is ticking!
Come along to our Free Clinic every day in February from 1-2pm.
See you there - kia tere! the clock is ticking!
Back by Popular Demand
FREE WEDNESDAY'S!!
No FEES every Wednesday for the month of JANUARY for enrolled patients. Happy Year from KMC.
No FEES every Wednesday for the month of JANUARY for enrolled patients. Happy Year from KMC.
Christmas Grocery Giveaway
Congratulations to our Ten Winners in the $1,500 Grocery Giveaway
We like to give back to the community and support local business, and to celebrate our first six months ALL our enrolled patients had a chance to win ONE of TEN $150 grocery vouchers from New World Kawerau. Pictured here are some of our lucky winners, well done Antishar!
We like to give back to the community and support local business, and to celebrate our first six months ALL our enrolled patients had a chance to win ONE of TEN $150 grocery vouchers from New World Kawerau. Pictured here are some of our lucky winners, well done Antishar!
Continuity of Care is Paramount to Health
Continuity of Care is key to improving the health of our Whanau.
Kawerau Medical Centre has two full-time GP's so you can always see the same doctor, whenever you come in! Read more about our two Doctors, Dr Emily Hermanson and Dr Eddie Barnett here.
Kawerau Medical Centre has two full-time GP's so you can always see the same doctor, whenever you come in! Read more about our two Doctors, Dr Emily Hermanson and Dr Eddie Barnett here.
Inspiring Day in Kawerau - By Ernie Newman
I spent Friday at the blessing and official opening of the new Kawerau Medical Centre. It was a fun and inspirational day. Inspirational because of the vision and sheer guts of the owners, Dr Emily Hermanson and her business partner Lance McNicholas. (They are engaged to each other as well as partners in the new practice - the amount of time spent gutting and refurbishing the building meant they haven't yet had time to get married.)
KMC is the first new medical centre opened in the Bay of Plenty for at least five years, and is distinctive for its Maori ownership. I've had the privilege of working with Emily in a small way. The Telehealth Project I'm working on has set the place up with video capability. (The pic shows Ministers Tony Ryall and Anne Tolley during the opening.) Despite the bitterly cold day and a couple of hours standing on freezing concrete, I wouldn't have missed it. The history of the venture was fascinating. Its taken less than 6 months from concept to opening. Emily has been a GP in nearby Edgecumbe ("I was happy doing what I was doing") until Lance talked her into taking the bold move.
The place is a work of art - great murals crafted by their whanau, outstanding landscaping, spacious and clean lines. Room for 4 GPs, and Emily is sure it will grow to that point over time. So am I. Its inspiring to watch people with guts and vision back their ideas. These two deserve to succeed. There is a clear need to fill - Kawerau has been desperately short of medical services.
Good luck, guys!
Mr Ernie Newman - Digital Economy Consultant
KMC is the first new medical centre opened in the Bay of Plenty for at least five years, and is distinctive for its Maori ownership. I've had the privilege of working with Emily in a small way. The Telehealth Project I'm working on has set the place up with video capability. (The pic shows Ministers Tony Ryall and Anne Tolley during the opening.) Despite the bitterly cold day and a couple of hours standing on freezing concrete, I wouldn't have missed it. The history of the venture was fascinating. Its taken less than 6 months from concept to opening. Emily has been a GP in nearby Edgecumbe ("I was happy doing what I was doing") until Lance talked her into taking the bold move.
The place is a work of art - great murals crafted by their whanau, outstanding landscaping, spacious and clean lines. Room for 4 GPs, and Emily is sure it will grow to that point over time. So am I. Its inspiring to watch people with guts and vision back their ideas. These two deserve to succeed. There is a clear need to fill - Kawerau has been desperately short of medical services.
Good luck, guys!
Mr Ernie Newman - Digital Economy Consultant
Kawerau Painting by Emma Malota
This is the sister painting to the KMC Mural. Kawerau means “Carrier of Leaves”. Kawerau got his name from the gathering and carrying of leaves at harvest time. Rongoa (traditional Maori medicine) is the theme of the mural, and the kowhaiwhai pattern, represents the Tarawera River with its swift moving current, flows past the munga Putauaki (Mt Edgecumbe) and the town of Kawerau.
We will be displaying more of Emma's artwork throughout the building, or check out her website here.
We will be displaying more of Emma's artwork throughout the building, or check out her website here.