Our team
University of Otago Medical Students
We are a Rural Medical Training Centre for the University of Otago. We'll have a 5th year medical student training at our practice at times.
Your consent will be sought prior to having our student Doctors involved during your appointment. It is entirely up to you, you can decline if you are not comfortable.
Health Improvement Practitioner (HIP)
Caitlin is a Registered Nurse and has worked within mental health services for almost 6 years. She has a postgraduate qualification in Mental Health and Addictions and has specialised training in youth eating disorders. She has also worked at ICAMHS and Forensic Inpatient Services.
A Health Improvement Practitioner is a registered mental health and addiction practitioner, who works with patients to achieve goals by providing support and follow-up for issues related to mental health (e.g., anxiety, low mood, stress etc.). Caitlin can also see clients who may need help with their physical wellbeing and support with planning around lifestyle choices. (e.g., addiction, diet change, exercise plans). She sees clients for a 30-minute session to address a particular issue they have and then work with them to formulate a plan to address this issue. She provides evidence-based intervention where necessary and will arrange follow up or referrals as necessary with feedback to the General Practitioner.
Anyone of any age can access this service for free. The only provision is that you are a client of Waimate Medical Centre. There are no doctors' fees or waiting lists. You can self-refer by asking your GP or Nurse to book you in or alternatively you can just ring reception and ask to be booked in with the Health Improvement Practitioner.
Caitlin is available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays 9.30am – 4:00pm.
Health Coach
Hayley comes from a background of working with both mental health patients and those with substance use disorders
A Health Coach works with people to help them with mental health and addiction as well as other wellbeing challenges to help them make health related lifestyle changes to achieve their goals. Hayley offers practical assistance within a range of physical, mental and social focus areas. She is motivated to improve your habits, set achievable goals and help you to become more active.
As with the Health Improvement Practitioner anyone of any age can access this service for free. The only provision is that you are a client of Waimate Medical Centre. There are no doctors' fees or waiting lists. You can self-refer by asking your GP or Nurse to book you in or alternatively you can just ring reception and ask to be booked in with the Health Coach. Hayley is available every Friday and every second Thursday 9.30am – 4.30pm.