Te Kaika Caversham

We have low-cost dental services on-site for registered Te Kāika patients. This service is run through the University of Otago, Faculty of Dentistry department. 

All women and people with a cervix aged 25 – 69 who have ever had intimate skin-to-skin contact or been sexually active should have regular cervical screening. This includes women who have been immunised against HPV. Together, regular screening and HPV immunisation provide the best protection against cervical cancer.

There are now more options for how you have cervical screening done:

• a simple vaginal swab test for HPV, either done yourself or with help from a healthcare professional
• a cervical sample taken by a healthcare professional (used to be known as a smear test).

Talk with your healthcare provider to decide which option is best for you.

If HPV is found, you may need to have a follow-up test or be referred directly for colposcopy.

If you’ve not yet had HPV testing, you should be screened 3 years after your last test (or 1 year if immune deficient). Once you have had an HPV test, and providing HPV is not found, your next screening will be in 5 years (or 3 years if immune deficient).

For more information: Cervical screening | Time to Screen - National Screening Unit

LARC methods are very effective at preventing unplanned pregnancy and are “fit and forget” forms of contraception – you don’t need to remember them every day or every month. LARC methods:

• Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices (IUCD or IUD) are inserted through the cervix into a woman’s uterus. IUCDs may be either hormonal (Mirena^® or Jaydess^{® )} or non-hormonal (copper IUCD).
• Jadelle^® is a hormone-releasing implant that is inserted just under the skin of the upper arm.

Depending on the type of device, it will need to be changed after between three and ten years.

Read more about LARC methods here

Minor surgery is commonly provided in primary care practices, providing fast, competent removal and biopsies of skin lesions. Other services include cosmetic work such as removal of benign moles and skin tags. Ingrown toenail surgery is also commonly provided. 
These conditions do not need to be referred to a hospital, perhaps saving you a long wait or a cancelled appointment when a more serious case takes priority.

Liquid nitrogen is a fast, effective treatment provided in many practices to treat viral warts, sun damaged skin, skin tags and many benign cosmetic lesions. It comes in a container with a nozzle and is usually applied by swab or spray. Often one treatment is all that is needed but sometimes it may need repeating after two weeks.
Because it cannot be stored for too long, you will often find that your GP will treat a number of patients one after the other. 

For more information click here.

Immunisation is the safest and most effective way to provide protection for you and your tamariki’s health. For more information view the NZ immunisation schedule.

All New Zealand children are entitled to 11 free health checks from birth to three years. The checks aim to ensure that children are growing and developing as well as possible. Included in the checks are clinical assessment, health education and family/whanau support.

Baby checks are at birth and then at 24 hours, five days and around 2-4 weeks. Babies are weighed and measured to ensure that they are developing correctly. These sessions provide a great opportunity for parents to ask questions from an expert and have any problem addressed; difficulties with breastfeeding or sleep for example. They can also be used to discuss immunisations and vaccinations. These checks will be carried out by your lead maternity carer (LMC).

Between the ages of 4-6 weeks and three years, there are seven core health checks available, typically these are around 4-6 weeks, 8-10 weeks, 3-4 months, 5-7 months, 9-12 months, 15-18 months and 2-3 years. These checks may be carried out by a Well Child Provider of your choice e.g. Plunket, Maori health provider, community nurse, a general practice team (doctor and practice nurse). Your LMC will be able to give you a list of Well Child Providers in your area.

More information about Well Child services is available on the Ministry of Health website.
 

What is Tōku Oranga?

Tōku Oranga means 'My Wellbeing' and is also known as Access and Choice. The team consists of Health Improvement Practitioners, Health Coaches and Community Support Workers (see service descriptions below).

Tōku Oranga places qualified mental health practitioners in general practices, making it faster and easier to access care. They provide free and timely support for patients and clients wanting help to improve self-management and provide guidance with behaviour change - including addressing stress, addictions, social issues, or long-term physical health struggles.

Health Improvement Practitioner (HIP)

The Health Improvement Practitioner provides free 20-30 minute consultations to Te Kāika Dunedin Medical Practice patients. HIPs collaborate with nurses and general practitioners to provide behavioural health strategies when stress and life problems begin to impair health. HIPs visit people at all ages for any condition, no matter the issue. Clients may achieve their objectives in a single visit, while others may return to acquire new skills. There is no restriction to how many times someone can visit our HIPs.

Stress, sleep, healthy weight, grief, anxiety, low mood, relationship difficulties, alcohol/drugs/smoking, fatigue, pain, high blood pressure, and child/youth development concerns are some of the reasons for which individuals seek help from a HIP. You can schedule an appointment through reception or ask your doctor or nurse to refer you. Appointments are usually available on the same day. HIPs will frequently provide group sessions; for example, this year we ran several 'Breathing for Wellness' workshops which teach breathing techniques to increase wellness, as well as gardening workshops to encourage movement, and improve mental health.

Health Coach

Like HIPs, Health Coaches accept same-day, ‘warm handovers’ from GP staff or clients and patients needing their help. They come from a range of health and wellbeing backgrounds, supporting people to take positive steps forward for improving their health. This includes:

• Empowers you to take control of your health and wellbeing;
• Helping you develop realistic goals;  
• Encouraging good management of various health issues that you want addressed;
• Discuss how to be more active by doing things you enjoy;

Community Support Workers

Community Support Workers support those with anything that is non-clinical, but having a large impact on people's wellbeing and ability to make progress. The key word is “support” as CSW walk alongside people, supporting them to achieve their goals. This can include:

• Providing support to you and your whānau in your own community;
• Supporting your independence;
• Connecting you to services in the community;
• Working with you towards your health and wellbeing goals.

Participants must be registered at Te Kāika Dunedin or Te Kāika Ōamaru.

This service provides support for Māori who are either at risk of cancer or with cancer, and their whānau. We can advocate, provide a support network, and help with accurate information and treatment options.

This service allows self-referrals, referrals by friends and whānau, or by other health providers.

Strictly “NO MEN” allowed.
A rotation between Zumba and Circuit training

‍Tuesdays: Taurite Tu 10am to 12pm (gym closed for this class)
Maori Kaumatua over 55yrs old (must be of Maori Heritage, Bloodline) Balance class, involves stretching and movement accompanied by Maori Cultural waiata. We offer some kai for our Kaumatua afterwards.

Please contact our Gym Co-ordinator to enquire about enrolling as there is a waiting list.

‍Wednesdays: Walking Group 11am to 12pm
Every Wednesday walking group will start from the various venues decided upon prior to the day, John Wilson’s Drive, Logan Park/University Oval, Tomahawk beach and other suitable locations.

Meet us at the decided location for the walk or If you need a ride let our kaimahi know, and you will be asked to meet us at the gym for a 10:30am set off or we can pick you up from your whare if you are close by.

Let us know if you want to get your walk on and let’s get moving.
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Work hard and get the treats after each class with some nutritional morning tea.

Please contact our Gym Co-Ordinator to enquire about coming along to this class.

‍Fridays: YOGA 10:30am to 11:30am
Led by our Health Coach, come along and test your flexibility and breathing skills.

Please contact our Gym Co-Ordinator to enquire about coming along to this class as our numbers are limited.