HOW TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
You will need a referral from a doctor or practice nurse to be able to see me. This is because doctors and nurses can often organise initial tests, investigations or management that make our time
together more useful.
WHAT HAPPENS AT YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT
Please wear comfortable clothes, and bring a support person if you wish, including any questions you may want to ask.
I will take a thorough history, which will include your medical background, any medications you are taking, surgeries you’ve had in the past, and allergies or intolerances you may have. You may wish to make a note of these to bring along, or bring records that you may have with you if you’ve had procedures outside of Nelson.
The history often covers talking about things that some people can find embarrassing, such as sex, urinary leakage, bowel leakage etc. I will do my absolute best to make you feel comfortable and preserve your dignity as we discuss your health.
We’ll usually do an examination, which may involve an internal examination and/or a speculum examination – depending upon your specific needs.
After this we’ll talk about your problems, any investigations (scans, blood tests, swabs etc) that may be useful, and make an initial plan for management.
Sometimes it’s a one-stop-shop, and you only need one visit. Sometimes there may need to be two or three visits over time.
Payment is expected in full at the time of your appointment.
If you know you’re coming for a specific procedure, such as a Mirena insertion or removal, please take pain relief before coming (1 gram paracetamol and/or 400mg ibuprofen or other anti-
inflammatory medicine) and feel free to bring a hot water bottle. You will need to bring the device with you – these are NOT kept in stock.
After the visit I’ll write a letter back to your referrer/family doctor or practice nurse (and others you may wish me to include), a copy of this letter also comes to you.