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The story, which aired in March, highlighted the growing need for accessible after hours healthcare across South Auckland and the positive impact overnight urgent care services are already having for local whānau.For the first time, the Ōtara clinic is now providing urgent care through the night, helping fill a long standing gap in after hours healthcare access for the community. The service gives patients another local option for urgent care when they need it most, while also helping reduce pressure on emergency departments for lower acuity concerns.The launch marked an important milestone for healthcare access across South Auckland, with Health Minister visiting the clinic during the opening period to acknowledge the expansion of overnight urgent care services in the area.Local Doctors teams have already seen first hand the difference improved after hours access can make for patients and families, particularly for those who previously faced long travel times and extended waits at hospital emergency departments.The clinic continues to welcome walk ins, including casual and visiting patients. Children under 14 are seen free of charge, Community Services Card holders receive additional subsidies, and after hours fees remain unchanged.The new 24/7 service reflects the needs of the Ōtara community and has been made possible through the support of clinical teams, operational staff and community partners working together to improve access to healthcare closer to home.A huge thank you to Barbara Dreaver and the 1News team for helping share this important story with audiences across Aotearoa. Earlier this year, Barbara Dreaver and the team visited Ōtara to cover the launch of the clinic’s new 24/7 urgent care service at its Watford Road location. // Strips html from content property

Providing Safe & Inclusive Care training now liveWe’re proud to announce the launch of our new internal training course: Providing Safe & Inclusive Care for Rainbow/Takatāpui/MVPFAFF+ Staff.This course comes after many months of dedicated work by our Rainbow Takatāpui Committee, in collaboration with the Learning Hub and Marketing team. A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in bringing this important kaupapa to life.The training is designed to build practical skills and confidence to support safe, respectful, and inclusive care for Rainbow, Takatāpui, and MVPFAFF+ communities. It explores diverse identities and health needs, and offers tools that can be applied straight away to improve patient experience, strengthen trust, and support health equity.This learning is valuable for everyone across our organisation — supporting both our teams and our patients — as we continue working together towards greater inclusion and progress.The course is now available on HCM Cloud and Neuron for staff only. We encourage all staff to take part 🏳️‍🌈 // Strips html from content property

We’re proud to share that Local Doctors Ōtara is now officially open 24/7 for urgent care — bringing round-the-clock support closer to home for South Auckland whānau.Last month, we marked this important moment with a visit from Health Minister Simeon Brown, celebrating the launch of overnight urgent care at our Watford Road clinic.This is the first time our Ōtara clinic has offered care through the night, helping fill a long-standing gap in after-hours services across South Auckland. It means more flexibility for families, easier access to urgent care when it’s needed most, and fewer people having to travel to Middlemore Hospital for lower-acuity concerns.Our doctors and teams have seen first-hand how challenging after-hours care can be. Many patients were previously spending long hours waiting in emergency departments — sometimes returning home without being seen. Now, they have another local option.We’ll continue welcoming walk-ins, including casual and visiting patients. Children under 14 are seen free of charge, Community Services Card holders receive additional subsidies, and after-hours fees remain unchanged.This service reflects the real needs of the Ōtara community — and we’re grateful to everyone who helped make it happen, from our clinical teams to our partners and supporters behind the scenes.Thank you to all our staff delivering and supporting this new 24/7 service. We’re proud to keep caring for our community, day and night.  // Strips html from content property

Patients in Māngere East will notice a fresh new look at Local Doctors Massey Road, formerly known as East Tāmaki Family Doctors.As part of the wider Local Doctors family, the clinic has been updated with new signage both inside and outside and is now officially operating under its new name. These changes are designed to make the clinic easier to find and navigate, while continuing to provide the same trusted care the community knows.What’s new:Improved visibility from the road, making the clinic easier to spotClearer signage beside the pharmacy to help guide patients to the main entrance on the side of the drivewayUpdated internal signage to support a smoother, more welcoming visitClinic hoursLocal Doctors Massey Road is open Tuesday to Thursday, 8.30am to 5.30pm.Manage your care onlinePatients can also manage their healthcare through the online portal, which allows you to:Book appointmentsRequest repeat prescriptionsCheck lab resultsView health and immunisation recordsThese updates reflect Local Doctors’ ongoing commitment to improving access to care and creating a more connected experience for patients and whānau in Māngere East. // Strips html from content property

Local Doctors joins ASB Polyfest as official Diversity Stage sponsor for 2026We’re proud to share that Local Doctors is officially sponsoring the Diversity Stage at ASB Polyfest in 2026.This partnership builds on our long-standing relationship with Polyfest and the wider multicultural community. For 2026, we’re excited to step up as official sponsors of the Diversity Stage — a space that celebrates culture, connection, and the next generation coming together through performance.At Local Doctors, community is at the heart of everything we do. Polyfest brings kids, families, and cultures together in one place, and that’s exactly why this event means so much to us.📅 18–21 March 2026📍 Pasifika & Diversity Stage | Manukau Sports BowlAs always, you’ll find our Local Doctors stall on site with fun competitions, activities, and prizes to be won. Our Wellness Support Team will also be there to chat about your health — and to enjoy the festival alongside you.We can’t wait to see the incredible performances and share a few great days together celebrating culture, whānau, and community. See you in March 💙  // Strips html from content property

Last week, our team joined Pacific healthcare partners to receive a warm thank you from Health New Zealand’s Pacific Health Directors and Minister of Health Simeon Brown. The acknowledgement recognised our collective response to the recent measles outbreak and the lift in immunisation rates across Pacific communities.The mahi has been collaborative from the beginning. Health NZ led with a national measles awareness campaign, while clinics like ours strengthened the response through patient outreach and increased access, including pop-up vaccination clinics. Together, these efforts helped more whānau receive timely protection.Progress made — and the work aheadAlthough Pacific immunisation rates have improved, more mahi is needed to reach the 95% required for herd immunity. Measles spreads quickly, making high vaccination coverage essential for keeping communities safe.With over 30 clinics across the motu and a strong commitment to community wellbeing, we remain focused on kōrero, education, and increasing access. Our goal is simple: ensure every patient gets the care they need. // Strips html from content property

Protect yourself and your whānau — it’s easier than ever to get vaccinated against measlesAt Local Doctors, we’ve made it simple to get protected. We’ve brought in extra vaccinating staff, stocked additional vaccines, and set up convenient pop-up clinics so you can get your MMR vaccination close to home.Pop-up clinic scheduleSunday 9 Nov, 2–8pm — Local Doctors Browns RoadTuesday 11 Nov, 5–8pm — Local Doctors Browns RoadWednesday 12 Nov, 5–8pm — Local Doctors Dawson RoadThursday 13 Nov, 5–8pm — Local Doctors ŌtaraYou can also book an appointment at your regular Local Doctors clinic — whichever is easiest.Why now?Measles cases have now been confirmed in every region of Aotearoa New Zealand, and the risk of a large outbreak is high.Measles is extremely contagious — far more infectious than COVID-19 or the flu. It spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or even simply being in the same room as someone who is infected. Someone with measles can spread it before they even know they are sick.Why measles is seriousMeasles is not a mild illness.Around one in three people who get it will need hospital care. Serious complications can include:Lung infections (pneumonia)Brain swelling (encephalitis)Long-term neurological damageIn rare cases, deathSymptoms usually include:High feverCoughRunny noseRed, watery eyesFollowed by a rashSome people, especially babies and those with weakened immune systems, are at higher risk of severe illness.How to know if you’re protectedYou are considered protected if you have had two doses of the MMR vaccine, given at least four weeks apart.If you’re unsure whether you’ve had two doses, it’s safe to be vaccinated again.This is especially important if you:Were vaccinated overseasMoved to New ZealandHad childhood vaccines before electronic recordsDo not have proof of immunisationYou can check your records through My Health Record | Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora.If you have documentation, please email it to us at [CLINIC EMAIL].If you do not have proof of immunity and are exposed to measles, you may be required to stay home (quarantine) for at least two weeks — even if you feel well.About the MMR vaccineThe MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella.It is:FreeVery safeHighly effectiveMost side effects are mild, such as a sore arm or low fever, and show that your body is building protection.If you are pregnant, severely immunocompromised, or have questions about your eligibility, please speak to your healthcare provider.What this message means for youYou’re receiving this because we don’t have a record showing that you’ve had two MMR doses.We encourage you to get your free MMR vaccination to help protect yourself, your whānau, and the wider community.Even if you believe you’ve already had two doses, it is still safe to be vaccinated again if you cannot find proof.What to do nextBook or walk inVisit one of our pop-up clinics listed above, or book at your nearest Local Doctors clinic.Check your vaccination recordsLook up your information via My Health Record or contact your doctor.Share with whānau and friendsThe more people protected, the lower the chance of a large outbreak.Know the symptomsIf you develop symptoms — especially after possible exposure — stay home and call Healthline on 0800 611 116 or contact your clinic before visiting. // Strips html from content property

Tāmaki Health is proud to announce a major achievement at the 2025 Oracle Partner Awards by Deloitte, held during the Oracle AI World Conference in Las Vegas.Our Chief People & Capability Culture Officer, Lisa Ryan, and Chief Digital Officer, Sam Ranchhod, accepted the Oracle HCM Breakthrough Award – APAC Applications Service Partner on behalf of Tāmaki Health.This recognition highlights the success of our ongoing people and culture transformation and the innovative ways we’ve used technology to strengthen and connect our organisation.The award celebrates partners who lead the way in HR transformation using Oracle HCM Cloud, driving more agile, people-focused workplaces. Through the integration of AI-powered tools, we’ve streamlined communication, simplified daily operations, and enhanced the way we manage processes across the organisation.This achievement reflects the dedication, innovation, and teamwork of everyone at Tāmaki Health. Congratulations to Lisa, Sam, and all those involved in making this transformation a success. // Strips html from content property