News
We have a very generous donation from a very hearted patient, who wish fund 5 patients consult fees. He had already made another generous donation in May for 5 patients.
Our patient is truly compassionate and he thoughtfulness will make a meaningful impact and bring happiness to some of our patients who are in need.
Our doctor will give a voucher for you to take to reception for a no charge fee for 5 lucky patients.
Please note prices have increased as of 1/7/25 as follows:
Adult Community Services Card Holder co-payments will increase from $19.50 to $20.00
17-year-old Community Services Card Holder co-payments will increase from $13.00 to $13.50
Non-community services card holder adult co-payments will increase from $29.50 to $30.50
HEALTH CONNECT Patient Portal
Please see the Patient Portal Tab.
Please complete Consent form. Once we receive your form, you will be sent a one off invoice for $20 for administration and future support for the portal.
You will be able to access your patient details, results, repeat prescriptions and make appointment bookings (there will be a gradual release of aviallable appointments when available.
Our Patient Portal is now live. Find the page here
Find the Patient Portal instructions here
We wish to inform you of a change in our consultation fees. Effective immediately, our standard consultation fee will increase from $19.50 to $29.50.
Please note that holders of the Community Services Card will continue to receive the reduced fee of $19.50. To apply this discount, kindly present your card to our receptionist upon arrival.
This fee adjustment is in line with government regulations, which had not approved an increase for the past six years. Although the government allowed the adjustment starting August 1, 2024, we have delayed implementing it until now. Unfortunately, we can no longer maintain our current services at the previous rates.
Despite efforts to avoid this increase, rising costs and insufficient government funding have left us with no choice.
Government funding for General Practice has not kept pace with inflation for nearly 20 years, despite reports recommending significant increases. The funding model, based on outdated assumptions, covers only 65% of our income, leaving us underfunded for the care we provide. Medical inflation is double the rate of regular inflation, yet government funding increased by only 4.8% last year, while our costs rose by over 9%.
Costs such as rent, IT, medical supplies, and staff wages have all increased dramatically. Yet, we are restricted by the government from raising fees enough to cover these shortfalls. We are also unable to charge more for certain patient groups, which places additional pressure on others. As a result, we must increase fees and cut some services to remain viable.
Staff shortages are worsening, with long wait times and difficulties replacing GPs. Half of New Zealand's GPs will retire in the next decade, and current funding levels do not attract or retain enough new doctors. Appointments are also limited due to the growing administrative burden on GPs, much of which remains unpaid.
General Practice is at a crisis point. Without proper funding, the future of healthcare in New Zealand is in jeopardy. We urge you to direct your concerns to the Minister of Health and your local MP, as these decisions are out of our control. We deeply regret the impact this has on you and your family.
We appreciate your understanding and continued support.
Effective 1 August 2024, we reserve the right to charge for appointments that are not attended, if you have not cancelled without a minimum of 1 hour notice.
We have observed a significant number of patients booking appointments and subsequently failing to attend. Given the existing shortage of doctors and the current wait time of 1-3 weeks for available appointments, this policy aims to encourage timely cancellations. This will enable other patients to utilise these slots and ensure more efficient use of our healthcare resources.
To notify please call reception 09 837 0740 or email reception@ratanui.co.nz. Alternatively, if you cannot get through, please phone the Ratanui mobile 021 0896 4606 (for urgent calls only)
We no longer have the facility to fax. Please use email addresses in contacts.
Flu Vaccines are available from 1 April 2023. Booking appointments are open now to book in advance.
See information on Home page and Services page
All patients are screened at reception when arrived. Our doctors may see patients face to face with cold-flu or virus symptoms in the outside cabin. Some consultations can be virtual/phone consults (normal consult fee applies) and our doctors will advise patients if they need to come into the clinic for a face-to-face consult. If you have cold/flu symptom, on arrival to clinic, please phone reception to advise that you have arrived, and wait in the car until the doctor/nurse calls you to enter the clinic. Face masks must be worn.
We are are able to do RAT testing. Casual patients must phone to register first. For COVID-19 testing, phone on arrival ph 09 837 0740 or 021 08964606.
Monday-Friday between 10.30am-12pm and 2.00pm-5pm
Child Immunisations are available for patients without symptoms. Call on arrival and a nurse will invite you into the clinic.
Our doctors can organise prescriptions and have them emailed to your pharmacy of choice (fees Apply).
Please maintain and follow our infection control procedures for Health and Safety and risks of infection to our doctors, nurses, staff and patients. Mask wearing and maintaining 2 metre distancing is advised.
