It is with regret that from Tuesday 20 August, we will have to increase the fees we charge you, our patients.
We understand this increase will only make healthcare more unaffordable and more inequitable.
However, with government funding increasing at only 4% in the last year, and our costs having risen more than 9% this last 12 months alone, we have been left with no other choice.
We have warned the government on multiple occasions that if they didn’t increase funding levels, we would have to increase fees to help cover our costs or we would have to close the practice. Frustratingly, our warnings have been disregarded.
Please know this is the last resort, and is not a decision we have taken lightly, as we truly understand the impact this will have on whānau.
We strongly encourage you to write to the Minister of Health, Dr Shane Reti, along with your local MP (available via the links below), expressing your dismay at the increase in fees and outlining the impact the increase will have on you and your whānau.
Standard appointment fees from Tuesday 20 August:
CSC rates will remain at $19.50.
You may be eligible for a Community Services Card (CSC), which would mean your fees would stay at $19.50. Visit the Work and Income website for more information about eligibility, how the card can help, and how to apply.
We thank you for your understanding. As usual, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to our reception team on 09 413 8562.
Ngā mihi,
The Greenhithe Medical Centre Team
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