Prescription fees for children
From 29 September 2025 we are introducing a prescription fee for the under 14s. Due to chronic underfunding for the under 14s we can no longer provide free prescriptions. Routine is $5 or urgent is $15...
Same day and acute appointments – No walk in patients
We hold a limited number of same day and acute appointments for our enrolled patients. If you are unable to see an appointment on the patient portal please call the clinic AS SOON AS YOU CAN IN THE MORNING and team will get a nurse to call you back and advise availability. This does not mean a guarantee of an appointment on the same day. We do not accept walk in patients. If you walk in you may see a nurse who will triage your needs (charge applies) and you will be required to return at another time if a GP appointment is required and available.
Cold and flu and wanting a Medical Certificates?
Our nurses can issue medical certificates for colds and flu – see the post on this webpage.
Mask wearing and patient flows
Mask wearing is no longer required in healthcare settings. We do still continue to encourage mask wearing when attending Papanui Medical Centre as Covid and other respiratory infections remain in our community. We will continue to provide masks at our reception for patients and our clinical staff will continue to wear masks. If you would like to wait in your car please advise reception.
Healthcare assistants
Our Healthcare Assistant team are working closely with the medical team. You may receive a text message from them asking you to meet them prior to your appointment with the doctor.
Cold and flu symptoms and wanting advice?
If you have mild or moderate cold or flu symptoms, are generally well and wanting advice please call Healthline as there may be a charge for nurse calls although they will alert to this at the time – please call Healthline on 0800 358 5453.
Use of AI in consultations
Some of our doctors are using AI to assist in recording their consultations. They will always ask your consent prior to this occuring
From 29 September 2025 we are introducing a prescription fee for the under 14s. Due to chronic underfunding for the under 14s we can no longer provide free prescriptions. Routine is $5 or urgent is $15...
If a minor illness (ie: gastro) cold or flu is keeping you off work or school you might need a medical certificate / sick note. Our nurses can issue medical certificates for up to 5 days following a phone consultation. This can be booked by......
Papanui Medical Centre allows team members to use AI to assist with clinical note taking, as well as administrative tasks (e.g. report writing). Everyone who uses AI must meet the terms and conditions of the tool. We do not allow clinicians to use generative AI for clinical decision making. Before introducing generative......
If you have provided us with your e-mail you will also receive an appointment reminder from the system with a QR code which you can scan upon arrival. This does not mean that you cannot come to reception to have a human interaction!!! What is does......
Standard appointments are only 15 minutes long. It is usually only possible to deal with one problem in that time and it may be that the doctor will ask you to re-book. If you think you will need longer, please book a longer appointment which......