Some people develop 'thinning' of the bones, called osteoporosis. A treatment that can help with this is a medicine called aclasta, which is delivered by infusion into one of your veins (through a needle) to help rebuild the structure of your bones. This treatment takes 15-30 minutes and is done every 18-24 months.

If your doctor has tested you and found that your vitamin B12 levels are low, they may recommend treatment with B12 injections. These may not be required for everyone with a low B12 level, so it is important that this is discussed with your doctor or nurse before booking for your first injection.

New Zealand's cervical screening programme is for all women aged 25-69 years, and aims to prevent cervical cancer. Having a cervical smear involves a small plastic speculum being inserted into your vagina, and a small sample of the cells of your cervix (which sits at the top of your vagina) removed with a small brush. Most women find this a painless procedure. The test looks for cells that might later develop into cancer cells. You are very welcome to bring a support person with you.

Videos about the cervical screening programme are available on the Health Navigator website. 

An electrocardiograph (ECG) is a simple, painless test that takes about 5-10 minutes. It measures the electrical activity in your heart and can help with the diagnosis of certain conditions.

If you are planning to get pregnant, or struggling to get pregnant, we can discuss all issues with you and plan what the next steps will be.

Family planning services are limited at Waihi Beach Medical Centre. 

During a consultation you can discuss any general medical or injury related problem you may be experiencing. 

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Screening

From 12 September 2023, HPV screening will be introduced as the primary test as part of the NZ National Cervical Screening Programme

most people can choose how their test is done. The options are:

1. A self-test swab sample taken from the vagina (not the cervix) which is tested for HPV
2. A clinician-taken vaginal swab sample which is tested for HPV, or 
3. A clinician-taken cell sample from the cervix, previously referred to as a smear test, which is tested for HPV. This option also allows for a cytology test to be done if HPV is detected without needing to return for a further test.

Self-testing is not appropriate for everyone (for example, people who have symptoms or require a co-test for follow up after treatment). A self-taken vaginal swab is just as good as a clinician-taken sample for detecting HPV. 

Link to more information: https://www.timetoscreen.nz/cervical-screening/

Immunisations are usually injections given to help protect people against harmful infections, which may cause serious complications. It uses the body's natural defense system (the immune system) to build up resistance to specific infections. Common side effects are mild redness and pain at the site of the injection, which may be associated with a mildly high temperature. More serious reactions are very rare.

Liquid nitrogen (also known as cryotherapy or freezing treatment) is a very cold liquid that is either sprayed or applied directly to a skin lesion. It freezes the skin lesion and then thaws - this helps destroy it. It can be used to treat many small skin lesions, such as warts, skin tags and some early skin cancer lesions. Some people find it a little uncomfortable, but no anaesthetic is required. Treatment takes 1-2 minutes, and is usually applied over 2-3 cycles. You may notice some crusting or, rarely, blistering after the treatment.

During a men's health check we discuss things related specifically to men's health, such as prostate screening and sexual health, as well as things covered in a general check up.

If you have mole you are worried about, or a skin lesion that is changing or not getting better, it is important to get it checked by a doctor or a specially trained nurse. They may recommend that it be removed. Removal involves a small injection of local anaesthetic to numb the area and then a small procedure is performed to remove the mole or lesion. Some of our medical centres are able to offer more complex skin surgery - please discuss this with one of our doctors. Payment is usually required for minor surgery procedures, and varies depending on the procedure. This can also be discussed with one of our doctors.

Some employers are keen to have a baseline medical check, hearing test, lung test and drug testing done before you start a new job. Other employers request their employees have medicals on a regular basis. We offer a large range of services and assessments. If you are interested then please contact us with your specific business requirements and we'll try and make them happen for you.

Lake Surgery offers only basic pre-employment and employment medicals, which do not include drug testing.

If you have a skin lesion or rash your doctor is unsure about, they may recommend a sample of it be removed using a punch biopsy. It involves a small injection of local anaesthetic (this means you won't feel any pain throughout the procedure). A small round circle of the tissue (usually 3-4mm across) is removed using a special instrument, then sent to the laboratory to find out the cause of the skin lesion or rash.

If you are well but would like a general check on your health then it is good to come and discuss this with a GP. Areas that are often covered include risks of heart attack or stroke in the future, general lifestyle advice, general mental health, family history of specific medical conditions, and preventative screening such as prostate testing, cervical smears and mammograms.

You can book a sexual health check to discuss any concerns regarding sexual health, symptoms or possible exposure to symptoms. We are here for full, frank, open and confidential discussions and testing.

During a women's health check we discuss things related specifically to women's health, such as period problems, sexual health, contraception, cervical smears and mammograms.