Immunisation

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At Bethlehem Medical Centre we support the Ministry of Health in its recommendation that all children be immunised against various childhood illnesses at 6 weeks, 3 months, 5 months, 15 months and 4 years of age.

Our experienced nurses are trained to help make this process as pain-free as possible for both the child and their parents/caregivers!  Please phone the practice for further information or to make an immunisation appointment.

Below is the current immunization schedule for your reference.

National Immunisation Schedule

Age and diseases covered and vaccines

6 weeks

Rotavirus (start first dose before 15 weeks)
1 oral vaccine (RotaTeq®)

Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis/Polio/Hepatitis B/Haemophilus influenzae type b
1 injection (INFANRIX® -hexa)

Pneumococcal
1 injection (SYNFLORIX®)

3 months

Rotavirus
1 oral vaccine (RotaTeq®)

Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis/Polio/Hepatitis B/Haemophilus influenzae type b
1 injection (INFANRIX® -hexa)

Pneumococcal
1 injection (SYNFLORIX®)

5 months

Rotavirus
1 oral vaccine (RotaTeq®)

Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis/Polio/Hepatitis B/Haemophilus influenzae type b
1 injection (INFANRIX® -hexa)

Pneumococcal
1 injection (SYNFLORIX®)

15 months

Haemophilus influenzae type b
1 injection (Act-HIB)

Measles/Mumps/Rubella
1 injection (M-M-R® ll)

Pneumococcal
1 injection (SYNFLORIX®)

Varicella (chicken pox) 1 injection

4 years

Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis/Polio
1 injection (INFANRIX™-IPV)

Measles/Mumps/Rubella
1 injection (M-M-R® ll)

11 years

Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis
1 injection (BOOSTRIX™)

12 years

Human papillomavirus age 9 -15
2 doses given over12 months (GARDASIL®)

Human papillomavirus age 15 - 26 3 doses over 6 months

45 years

Diphtheria/Tetanus
1 injection (ADT™ Booster)

65 years

 Diphtheria/Tetanus
1 injection (ADT™ Booster)

Influenza 1 Injection (annually)

Early disease detection could save your life

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Now we are over the worst of the winter hopefully we will start to see some warmer weather and an end to some of those winter illnesses.

Below we have detailed some information regarding the early detection and screening available for some diseases:

BOWEL CANCER

Signs that may be related to bowel cancer:

  • Bleeding from the bottom (rectal bleeding) without obvious reason.  Other symptoms include the need to strain, soreness, lumps and itchiness.
  • A persistent change or bowel habit - constipation, needing to go to the toilet more often or looser than normal stools.
  • Abdominal pain
  • Lumps or masses felt in your tummy
  • Weight loss and tiredness (a symptom of anaemia)

Screening for bowel cancer:

  • Faecal Occult Blood test
  • Family History check

 

BREAST CANCER

  • Signs that may indicate breast cancer:
  • New lumps in the breast.  The lump is often painless
  • A new area of thickened tissue in the breast
  • Nipple discharge
  • Dimpling or puckering of the skin of the breast
  • A change in size or shape of the breast

Screening for breast cancer:

  • Regular self examination of the breasts
  • Regular mammograms for women from the age of 45 to 70 years

CERVICAL CANCER

Signs that may indicate cervical cancer

  • Vaginal bleeding between periods
  • Bleeding after intercourse
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Unusual vaginal discharge
  • Vaginal bleeding after menopause
  • Excessive tiredness
  • Leg pain or swelling
  • Low back pain

Screening for cervical cancer involves regular cervical smear tests for women from age 20 to 70 years of age.

PROSTATE CANCER

Prostate cancer that has not spread to other parts of the body usually causes no symptoms.

Signs that may indicate prostate cancer:

  • Passing urine more frequently
  • Difficulty passing urine - difficulty stopping or starting.
  • Poor flow of urine
  • Needing to get up during the night more frequently to urinate.

These symptoms are usually due to the pressure on the urethra from an enlarged prostate and it is important to have any of these symptoms checked by your doctor.  There is no  regular screening  in New Zealand and no reliable tests but examination can involve a digital rectal examination and a PSA blood test.

Many of the above signs may not be related to cancer but if your are experiencing any symptoms make an appointment to see your Doctor.  Early detection is the key to earlier diagnosis and treatment.

Information sourced from Cancer Society New Zealand www.cancernz.org.nz

 

 

Why is my Doctor running late?

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Ever wondered why your doctor may be running late?

All booked appointments are allocated a  standard 15 minutes.  This is the same for a patient with a simple cold as it is for someone with very complicated medical issues or for a patient being told that they have cancer.  Often patients have more than one health issue to discuss with their doctor.

It is helpful if you let the receptionist know that you may require more time when you are booking your appointment so extra time can be allocated. Let your doctor know at the start of your consultation if you have more than one issue to discuss as often the serious health condition is not revealed until last and at the end of the consultation time.

Sometimes people just arrive with serious medical emergencies that need to be dealt with straight away.

Sometimes people have accidents that require urgent treatment.

Sometime people are sad or depressed and need to cry.  This cannot be rushed.

As well as seeing patients your doctor is also dealing with urgent test results, urgent phone calls from the hospital and paperwork that needs completing.

Sometimes this can all happen in one morning!

Some simple ideas to help make your visit to the surgery run smoothly and stress free -

  • Try not to make other appointments too close after your doctors visit.  We try to run to time but delays are sometimes unavoidable.

  • If you are coming to collect a repeat prescription make sure that you have given 48 hours notice to enable us to have it ready for you when you arrive.

  • If you have several significant medical concerns to discuss with your doctor consider making a double appointment (extra charges may apply).

  • Please remember that our nurses are available to do smears.

  • Please feel free to check with the receptionist the current cost of appointments and procedures.  This helps to avoid any misunderstanding over costs.

Thank you for your patience. Thank you for waiting.