Services & about

Our History

Dr Nick Gailer opened the practice in 1994. At that time there was no pharmacy in Greenhithe, and ambulances could take up to 20 minutes to arrive. Over the years we have responded to many types of emergencies, and we carry emergency equipment such as oxygen and a defibrillator. We have specialised in many different areas of medicine including acupuncture, minor surgery and clinical drug trials. Dr Gailer has been the Principal Investigator for over a dozen clinical trials and was the New Zealand pioneer of Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy, today one of the most popular treatments for varicose veins. ProCare acquired Greenhithe Medical Centre in late 2023, as Dr Nick decided to step back and spend more time with his family.

Enrolment

You will be asked whether you want to enrol at our practice. Enrolment is a process where you sign up with that practice as your preferred provider of your primary healthcare. This long-term relationship aims to improve your healthcare. You also qualify for lower fees following your sign up. See our enrolment page for more information about how to enrol.

Appointments times

Standard appointments: are scheduled for 10-15 minute intervals. If you need to discuss several matters and think you need more than a standard 15 minute appointment, please book a double appointment or plan to return for a second appointment. Please note that longer or additional appointments will incur an extra fee.

Requesting prescriptions

Repeat prescription requests can be made via the Patient Portal, or by calling 09 413 8562 (2) and leaving a message with your details and preferred pharmacy. If you have private insurance, please contact reception or email us with your insurer information. Please allow up to 3 working days for your request to be processed.

Prescription processing & requirements

You may need to see a doctor for a prescription if you haven’t been seen in the last 6 months. Please allow at least 24 hours for processing—same-day (urgent) requests are available for an additional fee. Prescriptions will only be issued if there are no outstanding fees on your account.

Virtual appointments

On selected days, we offer GP appointments where you come into the clinic as usual and are supported by our nursing team, while your doctor consults with you via a secure video call. The consultation takes place in a private room using secure technology provided by our practice. Find out more information about virtual appointments here.

Communication

Please keep us up to date with your contact details. We do not give medical advice, send medical information, or accept repeat prescription requests via email. Please telephone the surgery or use our Patient Portal to contact us. We may charge you for responding to emails depending upon the time involved.

Medicals & ADHD

Insurance and driving medicals require longer appointments. Please speak to our receptionists for more information about this.

Please note that Greenhithe Medical Centre does not currently offer ADHD diagnosis and treatment services.

Urgent care

For life-threatening emergencies, dial 111. If you are acutely unwell please ring the surgery and ask to speak to the nurse, who can assist with making arrangements.

Test results

Test results are available on our Patient Portal once they have been reviewed by the doctor. We will do our best to contact you with any results that we consider will affect your healthcare and to arrange follow-up and action if needed. You are welcome to phone and ask the nurse for your results if you do not have access to our Patient Portal.

Patient experience

Your health matters to us - and so does your feedback. If you wish to send us your feedback, compliment or complaint, please email reception reception@greenhithemedicalcentre.health.nz.

Thank you for trusting us with your care.