Locals caring for locals at new Carefirst Bell Block Medical Centre

What do you get when you combine three local general practitioners (GPs) who are passionate about the health of the Bell Block and surrounding communities, and a population in serious need of accessible GP care? You get Carefirst Bell Block Medical Centre, a new GP clinic scheduled to welcome patients for booked appointments on Tuesday 9 July.

Sharing facilities with Working for Health at 69 Corbett Road, the clinic will be run by doctors Nelia Lourens, Geoff Putt and Amanda Brown. They will be supported by administration manager Cynette Hickin and other nursing and support staff.

Many will already be familiar with Dr Putt, who provides GP care to residents at Kohatu and Norfolk rest homes in Waitara, and Summerset Retirement Village in Bell Block.

With all four senior staff living locally, Dr Lourens says, “We are acutely aware of just how many in our community are struggling to access GP care when they need it most.”

Leigh Sampson, Carefirst chief executive says, “Bell Block and the surrounding areas have experienced significant and rapid growth in recent years, and GP care in the community has simply not kept up. It’s incredibly important that people can access the healthcare they need, close to home.”

Dr Lourens says, “With the support of our Carefirst and Skin Clinic Taranaki colleagues, we are excited to be making a positive contribution to the community’s wellbeing.”

Sampson adds, “We are committed to ensuring ongoing, equitable and timely healthcare to these wonderful, growing communities.

“As a larger primary healthcare provider with clinics in Westown, Merrilands, Moturoa and now Bell Block, Carefirst is well placed to ensure consistent staffing and access to equitable GP care for all.”

Given the current need for primary care in the area, anyone with an address north of the Waiwhakaiho bridge can enrol at Carefirst Bell Block. Over time the team will extend service availability to the wider community.

For now, people are encouraged to register their interest with Carefirst Bell Block by calling 06 968 1440 or emailing admin@bellblockmedical.co.nz .

“The Carefirst team have been caring for the people of New Plymouth for over 25 years, and we look forward to the next 25 and beyond in our new Bell Block clinic,” says Dr Lourens.