This structure will also be more attractive for potential new doctors.
GPs currently include Drs Bob Stephens, Mohan Gaddipati, Paddy O’Brien and Andy Daun, supported by locums Dr Jane Nash and Dr Charlotte Deroles.
They have recently been joined by Dr Zeeshan Yaqoob, coming to New Zealand from Carmathen, Wales.
Yaqoob completed his medical degree in Pakistan before doing his GP training in the UK.
He says the move to Central Hawke’s Bay was a great opportunity for his young family, with better weather and more space for his two preschool-aged children.
“In the UK, it was always raining. Here, you get to see the sun almost every day. I’m really keen to get us all out on the cycle trails. I did think of buying a bike when I was in Wales... but the weather was not conducive to cycling.”
The family has settled in Waipawa, with Yaqoob’s daughter very excited to be starting school there in the new year.
“The move here was amazing. Everything was set up for us by the practice and the community. We just had to pack our bags and move, we barely had to do anything else. It was like arriving home.
“I am looking forward to meeting the community and my patients. I have done ‘a bit of everything’ in GP practice before, but a lot of work with the elderly.”
Gaddipati says the addition of Yaqoob to the practice will allow long-standing GPs Dr Bob Stephens and Dr Paddy O’Brien to slowly step back from the practice, reducing their days in anticipation of eventual retirement.
Gaddipati says despite the addition of a new GP, Tukituki Medical is not enrolling new patients at this time.
“However, emergency presentations are always seen, for example chest pains and lacerations.”
Gaddipati says there has been a smooth transition to the Ka Ora Telecare system for after-hours consultations, introduced earlier this year.
Anyone wanting to access Ka Ora Telecare for after-hours medical advice can phone 0800 2 KA ORA (0800 252 672).
For accidents and emergencies or if you are experiencing chest pain, dial 111.
