Meet the team:
Dr Susan Burslem
Dr Jess Blackwood
Dr Kee Lim
Tracey Frew
Kia Ora. Having worked here in Raglan last summer I’m hoping to help cover some of the busy season this Christmas and New Year. I'm also learning how to be a mother for the first time and trying to get more done in the garden. My undergraduate training was in the UK but New Zealand has been home since 2008. My post-graduate training has focused mostly on rural and women’s health so Raglan is a great place for me to be.
Kiaora tatou. Ko Ngati Tuwharetoa te iwi, Ko Jess Blackwood ahau. I joined the team in January 2015 as a locum G.P. I’ve been working as a doctor for nine years, predominantly in Gisborne, Tairawhiti, and have also worked in youth health. I’m passionate about healthy communities, te reo Maori, te taiao, art, health education and child and youth health.
Originally from Malaysia, I have lived in New Zealand since 2009. I graduated from the University of Auckland and worked at Waikato Hospital the last four years. I will be working as a GP registrar in Raglan for the next six months.
I am the nurse manager at the clinic. I work fulltime and love my job; I love being involved in the community and I love working with the people of Raglan, some of whom I have known for a long time. I grew up in Hamilton and my family came to Raglan 25 years ago. I’m married to Stephen and our younger children were born here and are very comfortable in the community. Our children are now all grown up but keep coming back to their hometown, some permanently and others for weekend visits.
Amber McAlister
Kristi Daniel
Katie Smith
Sue Taylor
I joined the team as a practice nurse last December and work every Monday and Tuesday. I’ve 14 years’ experience in nursing and I really enjoy working in the Raglan community where I live with my husband and three young kids.
I have been working at WCHC for over three years and have a special interest in diabetes. I have lived in Raglan for over 10 years, and came from working in ICU. My family and I enjoy being a part of the Raglan community.
Hi I’m Katie. I have been a registered nurse for over 13 years and recently joining West Coast Health Clinic, coming from the operating theatres at Waikato Hospital. My family has lived in the Raglan area for over 20 years and I’m really excited to be now working locally in our amazing community and with the awesome team at WCHC.
My nursing career started in 1987 at Leicester General Hospital in the UK and I have lived in Raglan since 1997. Whilst working in Waikato Hospital A&E it became apparent that a great many admissions to hospital could be prevented with good health education in the primary care setting so I began working as a practice nurse. I take great pleasure in promoting healthcare within the Raglan community.
Lynny Stevenson
Debbie Phillips-Morgan
I am one of the three receptionists at the clinic. I moved to Raglan in 1991 and raised four lovely children in this gorgeous slice of paradise near the sea. I started at West Coast Health Clinic in 2003 and in May next year I’ll be celebrating 15 years at the clinic.
Carol Millar
Michelle Meenagh
I’ve been at West Coast Health Clinic for the past seven years as a receptionist and enjoy being part of a healthcare team working with our wider community. I’m also currently involved with many of Raglan’s community groups, eg Trust Waikato Raglan Surf Club, Raglan Community Lions, Raglan Swimming Club, Whaingaroa Waka Ama, etc. I look forward to seeing you all, keep well. Naku noa. Debbie
I started working as a receptionist at the clinic in 2013 and have recently change positions to medical centre assistant. At the weekend I quite often volunteer as a St John ambulance officer and I also run a boutique cattery based on SH23. This lifestyle suits me purrfectly!
I’ve worked at the clinic for four years as the practice manager. Originally from Ireland, I’ve been living in this beautiful little town for the last 10 years with my Kiwi husband and two young kids. My main role here is to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the clinic whilst also managing all the financial aspects of the business. I feel very lucky to be part of this dynamic team and to be able to contribute to the community through this role.
Extra cover for the holiday season
Sexual Health Services
As you all know, Raglan is a very popular tourist destination over the summer so we will have 4-5 doctors working most days to help cater for everyone’s healthcare needs. We’ll also have our lovely team of locum nurses here to help: Wendy Girling, Vicki Kelly and Diana Johnstone.
Summer is here, and so is the “party season”. Be prepared, and know where to get help if required. Have you thought ahead? Have you got enough of your contraceptive pill? Are you up to date with your jab? Have you stocked up on condoms to protect against sexually transmitted infections?
12 Wallis Street
West Coast Health Clinic is here to help you with your sexual health, offering a comprehensive, private and confidential service. We work with people of any gender, age, sexual orientation or ethnicity. Services include: • Diagnosis, treatment and counselling for sexually transmitted infections. • Family Planning options - contraception and emergency contraception (to avoid pregnancy).
Ph: 07 825 0114
• Issues relating to pregnancy and unplanned pregnancy. Feel free to book an appointment with your GP or nurse. For people 24 years and under, any service related to sexual health is free of charge if you are a New Zealand resident. Consults in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy are free, otherwise normal consult fees will apply. Further fees may apply for different services.
Fax: 07 825 0104 RAGLAN Chronicle 11