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Dr Jing Dong | Bi-lingual doctor near East Tamaki

Dr Jing Dong joins our Ormiston Team

As Dr Jing (as she is known to the East Tamaki community) joins our Medical Centre, we anticipate the benefits our Ormiston patients will experience. Clinical Director, Daniel Calder, talks to Dr Jing Dong about her GP career, becoming a mum and being a bi-lingual GP.

Ormiston Medical welcomes popular East Tamaki GP, Dr Jing Dong, to our centre.

Being a local herself, Dr Jing Dong knows it won’t be long until she feels at home at Ormiston Medical. Dux of Pakuranga College, Dr Jing didn’t leave the area for long during medical training before bringing her skills back to the Burswood and East Tamaki suburbs. “As an immigrant to Auckland from Qingdao, China, I learnt that making new roots is really important. And I’ve felt welcome everywhere I’ve lived and worked in this area. It’s nice to stay close to East Tamaki and Howick with my GP work. It’s home now.” So, for a decade Dr Jing has brought her skills to the local surroundings. Being a bi-lingual GP is something she finds especially useful in her day-to-day doctor’s life here.

It was a twist of fate that steered Dr Jing to General Practice. During a trip to Nadi, Fiji, when she was a Registrar, a well-respected colleague saw Dr Jing’s potential as a General Practitioner. Whilst she had initially been drawn to Radiology, Jing took some wise words onboard. Her colleague noted how as a GP there would be huge potential to really support the health journeys of her people. And Dr Jing’s wholehearted approach to wanting to improve well-being pathways for everyone is evident. As a GP she brings as much care to immigrants as she does for parents of newborns or those needing support with mental health.

Dr Jing Dong Ormiston Medical | doctor for mental health

Continuing the family tradition as a doctor, whilst having a soft spot as a GP for Immigrants.

Growing up, Dr Jing was used to medical environments, visiting hospitals with her mother and uncle who were doctors too. “Dad was a teacher, but that didn’t appeal like the work I saw my mum doing. Still, becoming a doctor in New Zealand required a big element of teaching, because the health system is so different in NZ to China. One of my great pleasures is being a GP for immigrants and taking them on the journey of understanding how to access Primary Care here. As an immigrant, when you arrive in NZ, there is a big learning curve, because there are no GPs in China. When people settle here they need to learn about their rights to healthcare. And the biggest bonus for them is access to preventative medicine.”

So, Dr Jing spends a lot of time educating immigrants to NZ about things like screening for breast, cervical and prostrate cancer as well as monitoring blood pressure and heart health.

“Of course, in China, the benefit of the set-up there is the swift access to specialists. The trade-off is that an appointment with a doctor might only be 5 minutes. And that would be totally focused on the main symptoms at hand. In contrast, in NZ, I get to spend up to 15 – 30 minutes with people, completing thorough health assessments. So, as a GP for immigrants, I have the added bonus of helping them settle in NZ. It’s really rewarding to give back to my people like that.”

Feedback from patients from Howick, to Burswood and East Tamaki, is that they appreciate how much time Dr Jing spends with them. The option to talk in English or Chinese with a bi-lingual doctor definitely helps.

A GP who loves looking after mental health (especially in a post-Covid environment)

Unsurprisingly, Dr Jing has noticed a real shift in mental health cases since the Pandemic. Notably, she says that pre-Covid, it was common to see about 4 people with mental health concerns a week. “After the lockdown at the end of 2021, a change was very evident. Now, I see 4 – 5 patients a day who need support with mental health.” Moreover, there is a split in presentations.

Firstly, she notices a group who have short-term concerns due to the stress Covid lockdowns circumstances. “Understandably, people have faced more financial pressures, changes in personal circumstances and work changes or redundancy. It’s my job to help people navigate this temporary time of change and come out the other side.” And naturally, in busy work centres like East Tamaki work has been especially busy for a GP like Jing Dong.

But, Dr Jing also noticed an amplification of mental health problems for people who has long-term depression or a predisposition to mental health conditions. So, she’s extra focused on supporting people to navigate this for the long term. So, Dr Jing spends time ensuring people can access the right support or psychologist care. “As a GP, I notice that immigrants away from their homes miss the bonds with their wider family the most. It can be a trigger.”

Becoming a mum herself has made Dr Jing a great GP for newborns and new mums.

The proud mum of twin girls, Dr Jing Dong has two toddlers who keep her and her partner on their toes. Having her babies in Covid times, Dr Jing knows all too well the challenges parents have faced during this time. “As a mum, I find it much easier to recognise post-natal symptoms like Post-Natal Depression when mums bring in a newborn to see the GP. Likewise, it’s easier to open up and walk the journey. There’s no such thing as too much help. But, often, I notice mums of newborns often don’t know to ask for support, even from a GP. As new mums, we discover we’ve underestimated the work that comes with caring for a little person, right? But in Covid, it was even harder to access support.” says Dr Jing.

So, Dr Jing loves empowering mums of newborns with connections to local support with lactation or feeding, such as Te Rito Ora. Similarly, it’s often just as important to have a well-needed chat.

Above all, Dr Jing Dong’s optimistic attitude shines through. “I can’t wait to meet more of the Ormiston community and become a part of this lovely clinic. I’m joining at the same time with an old colleague, Dr Lily Liu, so that’s going to be extra fun. “

Enrolling online with Dr Jing Dong is fast and easy

To enrol with Dr Jing, complete your enrolment online. It only takes a few minutes. Next, simply let us know you’d like to go onto Dr Jing’s list.

Dr Jing GP for new mums and immigrants East Tamaki

Dr Lily Liu GP | Chinese speaking doctor | Ormiston Medical

Dr Lily Liu joins the Ormiston Medical Team

When Dr Lily Liu agreed to join the Ormiston 团结, we knew our community would share in our delight. Dr Daniel Calder explains why Dr Lily is such an asset to our Auckland patients.

Welcoming Dr Lily Liu to our General Practitioner team

Bringing fantastic General Practitioners to South Auckland is a top priority for Ormiston Medical. So when we met Dr Lily Hanxin Liu (affectionately known as Dr Lily) it was clear she was the perfect fit. What makes Dr Lily Liu special is her attitude. From the moment you meet her, it’s clear she has a genuine care for all people. Whether she expresses it in the thoughtful way she treats elderly and dementia patients or how she supports her wider team of healthcare professionals.

A Chinese speaking doctor (who has also worked as a nurse!)

When Dr Lily Liu arrived in Auckland from China, she didn’t rest on her laurels while she finished her NZ qualifications. Despite many years as a practising doctor in China, Dr Lily thought outside the square and became a Registered Nurse in the interim. Unperturbed about changing rolls for a while, she rolled up her sleeves and hit the wards. “Time on the hospital wards attending patients for Orthopedic conditions, renal transplants and dermatology conditions was fascinating.  I got a different perspective as a nurse. That’s something I carry with me in my General Practice role. Nurses work so hard and have genuine empathy and care. So now, I feel an extra connection with nursing teams. I’ll always be one of them, too.” says Dr Lily. Soon enough, she became a medical doctor in NZ and headed off to Palmerston North Hospital as a House Officer. Next, Dr Lily worked for 8 years in Auckland Whangarei and then returned to General Practice in Botany. “It was back to life as a GP, but the nurse is still there.” Says Dr Lily.

Living back in Auckland, Dr Lily loves the diversity of the Ormiston location. As a Chinese speaking doctor, she says it’s nice to be able to make healthcare accessible to those who find it easier to speak in Chinese. “When people can use their first language, the conversation is often easier. Having the Ormiston website translated into Chinese is really helpful for many people too.”, Says Dr Lily. 

Your family doctor who especially supports elderly patients with chronic conditions (including treating Dementia) 

One of the outstanding traits of Dr Lily Liu  as a GP is her thoughtful approach to the elderly community of patients. Having worked in three rest homes, Dr Lily became a firm favourite amongst residents. As a doctor in the Dementia units, it was important to have real patience with the people she was treating.  “Everyone was so lovely in the rest homes I worked in as a doctor. Firstly, it was nice to see the elderly patients treated so nicely and with such respect. And in turn, you felt a connection, in the moment, with them. As a Chinese speaking doctor, sometimes it felt like being home, having a conversation at another place in time.” When asked about her interest in elderly patients, it’s clear Dr Lily has a soft spot. “You learn as you get older the value of youth – or feeling young. It’s my job to give everyone the best quality of life for as long as I can. Whether that’s by helping with Advanced Care Plans; a gentle approach to minor surgery; or 舒缓治疗, we need to look after not only the patient but also for their family. Everyone needs support.”

A highly knowledgeable doctor for female health (including cervical health and immunology)

A graduate of the prestigious Xi’an Medical University, Dr Lily Liu flew through her GP studies. She finished with a Master’s Degree majoring in Macrobiology and Immunology. “Studying immunology in the ’90s was especially exciting, and I was fascinated by the work I did on Cervical Cancer. Back then, we were connecting the dots between Cervical Cancer and HPV (Human Papilloma Virus). It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come since then, especially in recognising the importance of vaccination. I’m so proud to have been involved at the beginning of that movement. In 2023, cervical screening will be heavily promoted in NZ and self-screening available. But I will be encouraging my patients to have a proper cervix check too. That’s because cervix health is an important part of a female’s health picture.”

Enrol online with Dr Lily Liu today

Ready for 2023, you can now enrol with Dr Lily via our handy online enrolment form. A true General Practitioner, you’ll also find that Dr Lily is particularly good with with skin services for dermatology need.

Naturally, she will have limited places on her list, so don’t delay. Simply drop us a note on email following your enrolment to let us know that Dr Liu is your preferred GP. Whether you need a Chinese speaking doctor, are an elderly person or have a loved one who needs support, you’ll find Dr Lily to be an amazing support.

“I’m so excited to become a part of the Ormiston Medical team and continue my work in the Flat Bush area. Joining at the same time as my wonderful long-term colleague Dr Jing Dong is an added bonus.”

 Start your enrolment today with Dr Lily Liu as your new General Practitioner today.

Dr Lily Liu GP | Ormiston Medical | doctor treating dementia

Influenza vaccine NZ | Seasonal influenza vaccination | Flu jab East Auckland

How to protect yourself and your whānau from flu with a seasonal influenza vaccination

The winter flu season is almost here, so our Clinical Director, Dr Daniel Calder, explains how to get a flu jab at our three East Auckland clinics: Ormiston Medical, Botany Junction Medical 或 Highbrook Medical.

Like us, you will have noticed the weather is changing and very soon, the winter flu season will be here. So, now is the time to plan your seasonal influenza vaccination.

Yet another shot may be a frustrating prospect after a year of Covid jabs, so we wouldn’t blame you for feeling tired of vaccines! However, as we all know, getting the flu can not only make you feel very miserable. It can also have severe symptoms.

Firstly, not only do you feel ill, but often you need to have time off school or work. Secondly, for people who have long term health conditions like asthma, heart disease and diabetes, a dose of the flu can cause severe illness and hospitalisation.

As a result of the lockdowns and border closures, there has been less flu in our communities over the last two years. As a result, our natural immunity may well have been reduced. With the NZ borders reopening and people getting back into everyday activities, there will likely be more flu around this coming winter. The best ways to protect ourselves and our community are simple actions such as keeping up your hand hygiene to combat our lowered natural immunity to bolster ourselves against the spread and booking in a flu jab.

Five important reasons to get the 2022 seasonal influenza vaccination to protect your family

  1. Each year, one in every four people in New Zealand gets seasonal flu. Some people will have mild or no symptoms, but you can still spread it. Consequently, others who are more at risk of getting seriously ill may catch it from you. A flu shot helps to slow the spread to others.
  2. You may wonder why you need to get a flu jab every year. Because the flu virus changes each year, the influenza vaccine also has to be changed to include any new flu strains.
  3. The sad fact is that influenza kills 500 New Zealanders each winter. You will want to protect family members who may get very sick if they get the flu. Young children, pregnant mothers and those people with underlying health conditions like asthma, heart disease, cancer and diabetes are vulnerable.
  4. Frustratingly, the symptoms of Covid-19 and the flu are similar. Therefore, if you get a flu-like illness, you will not know if it is Covid or the flu. While Covid-19 is circulating in the community, it is also possible to get both viruses together. Therefore, your best protection is to get a shot for both flu and Covid.
  5. As the winter flu season starts in April, now is the time to get your flu jab, so you have built up immunity before the winter begins.

Learn how to get an Influenza vaccine at Ormiston Medical Centre in East Auckland, NZ.

  • You will want to get a flu shot as fast and efficiently as possible. Therefore, we will be running flu vaccination clinics. Visit your 患者平台 or contact us by phone.
  • Our expert nurses are happy to answer your questions about things like any side effects you may have and reassure you about the safety of the flu vaccine.
  • For adults and children over 9, only one dose of the flu shot gives you protection for the flu season.
  • Children 6 months to 9 years old need two flu vaccinations four weeks apart. Although, children in this age group who have received a flu vaccine at any time in the past need only one dose.
  • Quite simply, our nurse gives you an injection into the muscle of your upper arm.
  • Then, you need to wait for 20 minutes to ensure you don’t’ have any reaction to the vaccine.
  • It is safe to have the 2022 NZ Influenza vaccine and a Covid-19 booster at the same appointment.
  • Before having your shot, please tell us if you have a bleeding disorder or are on blood thinners. Or if you have previously had an allergic reaction to any vaccines.

You can find more information about what to expect at Influenza vaccine | Health Navigator NZ

Who can get a free seasonal influenza vaccination? ( and what does a flu shot usually cost)?

At Ormiston Medical, we are passionate about ensuring that we provide affordable healthcare for all your whānau.

The cost of the influenza vaccine in NZ is $33 for both adults and children.

People who are eligible for a free flu shot include:

  • All people over 65 years of age
  • Pregnant women
  • Young children with a history of respiratory illness
  • People with chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, asthma, cancer and other conditions.

Generally, the winter flu season lasts from April to September, but it’s worth planning your flu vaccine now. Ultimately, the sooner you and your family are protected against influenza, the more immunity you will build and the safer you will be over winter. For kids, you may want to talk to us about scheduling any childhood vaccinations so that we can space them accordingly. We know it isn’t evident to plan everything after the last year!

Call us at any of our East Auckland clinics today to book in for your 2022 Seasonal NZ influenza vaccine. Our friendly staff are always happy to advise you if you are eligible for a free flu shot. 

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