Hon Dr David Clark
Minister of Health
22 November 2017
Minister opens new Medical Centre, praises role of Primary Care
Health Minister Hon Dr David Clark says today’s official opening of a new medical centre in Auckland emphasises the
vital role of Primary Care in the New Zealand health system.
Dr Clark says the new Beachlands Medical Centre demonstrates the value of keeping healthcare close to the people who use
it.
Dr Clark grew up in the area, and he and his family were patients of the Beachlands practice.
“As a former patient in this practice, I benefitted from the care and expertise of the healthcare professionals who
worked there. Now as Minister of Heath, it’s been my privilege to return to open a new facility which will benefit
thousands of residents.”
Beachlands is a fast growing area of Auckland and the practice currently has an enrolled population of 5900 patients.
“The practice has been proactive in anticipating future demand in the area. I want to praise the initiative of the
current leaders of this practice for their foresight in taking out a new lease, and then to design and fit out premises
around it.
“As a result of this forward thinking, today we see a state-of-the-art medical centre, pharmacy, physio practice, lab
testing, specialist rooms, podiatrist, psychologist and soon a dentist, all in one place.
“It’s making it really easy for people to get to see the range of services they need to.”
Dr Clark also praised the role of Beachlands in being a pilot practice for several mental health initiatives with the
Counties Manukau District Health Board.
It holds a monthly clinical meeting with a DHB psychiatrist and team, along with its own GPs and nurses. The DHB
psychiatrist can also consult patients in practice rooms.
Additionally, Beachlands is part of a new CMDHB initiative with both Te Rawhiti (adult) and Whirinaki (child and
adolescent) mental health nurses being in the practice to consult, advise and integrate care better alternate
fortnights.
“Beachlands Medical Centre demonstrates the key role primary care plays in both physical and mental health,” says Dr
Clark.
BACKGROUND
The Beachlands Medical Centre facility opened for business in August and represents the merger of two previous
practices, Maraetai and Beachlands.
It is one of nine pilot practices working in a collaborative model with CMDHB and its four PHOs to redesign the way
general practice delivers its services.
The practice is a member of East Health Trust Primary Health Organisation and has eight GPs, eight practice nurses, four
receptionists and a practice manager.
ends