Auckland Radiology Group (ARG) has been offering its specialist services to the community for more than 80 years, something it’s incredibly proud of.

It was the first of its kind in Auckland to offer specialist radiology services when it opened its doors in 1936.

Since then, it’s expanded considerably and now has 18 branches around the Auckland region.

ARG is proudly New Zealand-owned and operated by radiologists, most of whom also work in the public hospital system so they have a strong understanding of Auckland’s health needs.

Innovation has always been at the heart of ARG. It was also the first private practice in Auckland to introduce CT, ultrasound and 3T MRI scans and scintigraphy.

ARG operations manager Michelle Holmes says the organisation’s longevity is due to the quality of imaging services on offer, the quality of care patients receive and the prompt delivery of results.

“High quality imaging and patient care is our mantra. We invest heavily in equipment, staff and infrastructure and offer a complete range of diagnostic imaging services with radiologists who sub-specialise in several different imaging areas including orthopaedic and sports diagnostics and women’s health. We’re constantly updating our equipment and investing in new technologies,” she says.

“Our people are the heart of everything we do and we’re extremely fortunate to have a highly skilled and experienced workforce with an incredible depth of knowledge.

“Many of our staff have been here for more than a decade which often gives the place a bit of a family feeling,” says Michelle, who has been with ARG for 23 years.

Friendly, caring environment

Michelle says ARG provides patients with a friendly, caring environment.

“We really take the time needed to thoroughly answer clinical questions, we don’t try to rush people through,” she says.

“With 18 branches located around Auckland, most patients should be able to access one of our branches no matter where they live. Many of our branches have patients whose parents and grandparents have been cared for by ARG.”

If GPs have any questions or need any advice, Michelle says ARG’s radiologists are always willing to discuss any findings with them.

How to refer to Auckland Radiology Group:

The following ARG branches can be referred to electronically: Hauraki, Henderson, Papakura, Pukekohe, 122 Remuera Road and Takanini.

• open the patient record
• launch the HealthLink homepage
• using the CareSelect search bar, type “ARG”
• click “Compose Referral”.

HealthCare NZ may have recently changed its name but that’s all that’s different – it’s still providing the same high-quality, home-based care it always has.

Formerly known as HealthCare Rehabilitation Realise Nursing Services, HealthCare NZ has been offering community support to those in need for the past 30 years.

The name change happened last year, but has only recently been changed on HealthLink’s e-Referral form.

HealthCare NZ’s team of nurses provides home-based care to people of all ages including those with an ACC-related injury.

As well as nursing services, it also offers disability support, rehabilitation services, mental health support, positive behaviour support and help with daily tasks such as personal care and activities of daily living to help people live as independently as possible, for as long as possible.

Healthcare NZ’s regional clinical manager for Auckland/Northland, Liz Milner, says services are tailored to meet the patient’s needs and goals, and are available seven days a week.

“Our team of specialist nurses offers support for a number of treatments including wound management, skin care, simple or complex burns, plaster checks, medication support, bladder and bowel management and vascular assessments,” Liz says.

“It’s a partnership model of care, where we provide care with our patients, not to them. It’s also about us being flexible and really working with our patients to ensure the best outcome possible,” she says.

“We help our patients learn about infection control principles or wound care management, which helps them feel empowered.”

Culturally responsive

Liz says being culturally responsive to patients and staff is important.

“We have a culturally diverse range of patients and staff. Many of our staff come from different cultures and speak different languages, which is hugely beneficial when it comes to providing the best care we can.”

Liz says home visits mean patients don’t have to travel to appointments and they often feel more comfortable being treated in their own home.

“Home visits also allow our nurses to do a holistic assessment of the patient. It enables them to identify areas that patients might need assistance with, for example, unsecured rugs or the absence of a bath mat might place them at high risk of a fall,” she says.

“Patients, GPs and practice nurses can have complete confidence in our highly skilled, clinical nursing team.”

How to refer to HealthCare NZ:

• open the patient record
• launch the HealthLink homepage
• click on the “ACC Community Nursing (HealthCare NZ)” link.