Winter Update 2025

10 Jul

Staff Changes

Congratulations to Dr George Dehn and Dr Don Ponnamperuma who after extensive study are moving on to work in the field of Musculosketal Medicine. They will both be greatly missed and we wish them all the best with their futures.

We are pleased to welcome Dr Begona Goyache to the practice. Dr Goyache has worked in North Canterbury for many years and has a special interest in Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes. Dr Goyache will be with us for four months. She will be working Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings.

Welcome Rachel Reynolds to our reception team. You will see her at the front desk on a Tuesday and Thursday.Appointments

Our Team

Changes To Cervical Screening

The primary test for cervical screening (previously called a “smear” test) will change to a human papillomavirus (HPV) test, with the option of self-testing. Free screening is available from 12 September 2023 for:
• Women with a cervix 30 years and over who are unscreened (have never had a screening test) or under-screened (haven’t had a test in the past 5 years)
• Anyone requiring follow up
• Māori and Pacific people
• Community service card holders

Paracetamol Available On Script For Children Under 14

If you require paracetamol on prescription for your child who is enrolled with us, you can contact Silverstream Pharmacy for this.

Contact Details

Have you moved or changed your phone number or email? It is important that we have your correct contact details. Please call or email reception if you need to update your or your next of kin/emergency contacts.

Well App And Patient Web Portal

Have you registered on the practice app? Access online booking/viewing your lab results and order repeat prescriptions… Visit the app store on your smartphone, download the well app and enter code SMSILV……. You can also access the patient portal from our website as well as through the APP. As well as accessing the patient portal from the Well app on your mobile device, you can also access the portal from your computer’s web browser. All the same functionalities will be available on both the app and web, including:
• Book and manage appointments
• Request repeat prescriptions
• Check laboratory results

How to get started If you are not currently using the Well app, you can now either register on your computer or you can download and register on the app.
1. On your computer, visit: https://silverstreammedical.centrik.co.nz/portal/#/ OR On your mobile, download ‘Well NZ’ on the App Store or Google Play
2. Select ‘Create Account’ and enter the invite code: SMSILV
3. Enter your details – these must match what we hold on file ie. same email and password you use for the app.

Upcoming Change to Prescription Lengths
You may have heard about 12-month prescriptions mentioned in the recent government budget. This change is not yet in effect and is expected from early 2026.
When it begins, GPs and prescribers will be able to issue prescriptions for up to 12 months (instead of 3), if it's clinically safe and appropriate. You’ll still collect your medication from the pharmacy every three months but may not need to return to us each time for a new prescription.
This change is aimed at patients on stable, long-term medications. Some medications will still require more frequent review.
We’ll keep you informed as more details become available. For now, please continue with our usual prescription process.