Providing professional, confidential services for the health and wellbeing of Ara students.
Ara’s Health Centre offers a range of discounted health services for students*. These include consultations with nurses, a doctor and counsellors. Students can access three free counselling sessions a year. We take Community Service cards** and offer ACC appointments.
All services are available at the City campus, while nurse consultations are available at the Woolston campus on Wednesdays and Fridays, and counselling is available at the Timaru campus by appointment.
If you’re a New Zealand resident enrolled at the Health Centre, you can receive cheaper doctor visits and reduced costs for prescription medicines.
To register/make an appointment
You need to register to use the Health Centre’s services. Simply visit the Health Centre to complete an enrolment form (bring your Student/Staff ID card, or a course receipt). To book an appointment, either visit the centre or call us.
*Ara staff are welcome to see the Health Centre doctor on a casual basis, however, students have priority for appointments. Occasionally we may have to reallocate a staff appointment to a student. In these situations, we refer staff to their own GP or another medical centre (e.g. Moorhouse Clinic).
** You may be eligible for Community Services Card for discounted general practitioner services. You can find out more by calling 0800 999 999, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Our Team
| Susan Woods Health Centre Manager/ Registered nurse | Lisa Richards Registered nurse | |
| Quin Tang Counsellor | Lynda Clegg Counsellor | ||
| Dr James Shanks GP | Vicki Garner Administrator | ||
| Dr Penny Rice-Wilson GP | Diana Syme Administrator | ||
| Rimi Ellis Administrator | Leigh Lawless* Counsellor |
*Leigh works at the Timaru campus in Room TA208.
Fees
Prices are subject to change
| Doctor consultation | Price |
|---|---|
| Enrolled patient Enrolled patient with Community Services Card International student Non-enrolled patient Non-enrolled patient with CSC Ara staff or otherACC | $31.50 $18.50 $95 $42 $37 $50 $20 |
| Nurse consultation | |
| Enrolled patient International student Non-enrolled patientAra staff or other Sexual health consult (under 18 enrolled patients only) ACC | $10 $25 $20 $20 FREE+$20 |
| Counselling | |
| Students can access three FREE counselling sessions to talk about any personal issues. | Free |
| Repeat prescription | |
| Enrolled patient Non-enrolled patient Ara staff or other | $10 $15 $20 |
+Conditions apply, please discuss with the receptionist on booking.
Discounted dental services
Sydenham Dental Centre offers current Ara students dental check-ups for $35 and 10% off the cost of treatments such as fillings, extractions and emergency pain relief. You can find out more and make an appointment here.