In reference to the Notice to Members published on 28 January 2024 regarding Blood Screening Programme for NZPFU Members - Firefighters, Trainers and Fire Investigators

As an individual you can now arrange this check with you own GP, but the Auckland Local strongly recommends you get this done at one of the Specialist Clinics we recommend.

The Auckland Local also STRONGLY recommends that if you haven’t done so already, you join the Protect Insurance Scheme BEFORE you attend health screening.

It is the intention of the Auckland Local to engage with a small number of clinics to ensure that the doctors and nurses conducting the testing understand the increased health risks to Firefighters, Trainers and Fire Investigators and respond early to any indicators. The first clinic ready to start screening is listed below.

A Firefighter Blood Screening Health Check includes a visit to a Blood Testing Lab, up to 30 minutes with a nurse and 30 minutes with a doctor.  Ensure you indicate your preference for male of female doctor.  A screening includes full skin check and for males, a prostate check.

Your Health Centre,
488 Great South Road
Papatoetoe
09 2777830

They are ready to begin screening now.

The process is simple:

• Contact Marei at the clinic by email. Mareikura@yourhealthcentre.co.nz.
• Request a Firefighter Blood Screening Health Check
• A link will be sent to our online booking form which will request any required information. This is where they can indicate if they prefer a male or female GP. They can also request a preferred date and time for the appointment. 
• A confirmation email will be sent out outlining what the next steps are including:
  - what to expect at the appointment
  - location
  - where to get their blood tests done, etc

It will also include a link to our online questionnaire with questions that will aid the doctors in providing a comprehensive exam. (We have a hard copy in our clinic that can be filled on arrival, however, it is preferred that they come to their appointment with the questionnaire already completed.) Following the appointment, our team will provide an invoice of $250 which can be paid for on the day (a receipt will be provided to them for reimbursement purposes.) Alternatively, they can take the invoice away with them and settle their account at a later date. In the event that a health check finds something of concern you will be referred to your home doctor for further attention.

It is important that everyone engages in this screening. Please provide any feedback or recommendations that would be helpful to others, to Terry Bird or Jeff Shrimpton so that we can improve the process.