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Silverdale Medical has recruited up to eight new doctors and reopened enrolments, marking a return to full services after a challenging two years of staff shortages.
Silverdale Medical teaching lead Dr Peter Chai says the practice went through a period of consolidation after several long-serving GPs retired or left the area.
“Like many clinics across New Zealand, we felt the impact of national workforce pressures,” Dr Chai says. The Royal College of New Zealand Practitioners reported last year that 50 per cent of GPs and 64 per cent of rural hospital doctor respondents intended to retire in 10 or so years
To maintain safe care, the practice temporarily closed its books to new patients and shut its Millwater clinic due to staffing shortages.
However, Dr Chai says 2026 is looking brighter.
Millwater Medical reopened in November, and urgent care services at Silverdale have returned to 8am to 8pm daily, including public holidays. Silverdale Medical remains the only urgent care provider on the Hibiscus Coast, so patients still need to travel to North Shore Hospital or Waitākere for children if they require after-hours care outside these hours.
Dr Chai says the practice has now recruited seven to eight new doctors, restoring capacity and allowing enrolments to reopen.
Access and waiting times remain a challenge across all general practices, Dr Chai says, with demand continuing to outstrip supply, however, the centre is also investing in training nurse practitioners and expanding telehealth options to improve access.
Silverdale Medical recently hosted a patient focus group to hear directly from the community. About 10 patients attended, including some who have been with the practice for more than 20 years, Dr Chai says. Patients spoke positively about the care they receive, particularly during serious illness, and praised reception staff for their professionalism and kindness.
Continuity of care was a key theme and Dr Chai says the practice is working to allocate patients to named doctors wherever possible as new clinicians settle in.
Patients also asked for clear communication about fees and services, as well as multiple ways to book appointments, including online and by phone.
“Our aim was simple: to listen,” Dr Chai says.
“General practice works best as a partnership between patients, clinicians and the wider community.”
Silverdale Medical chief operating officer Alberto Lenzi says the practice is now focused on building long-term resilience.
“Our priority is not just about restoring services, but strengthening them, by having sustainable access, continuity of care, and supporting the next generation of clinicians so our community is well supported for years to come. Our investment in training, digital access, and operational systems ensures Silverdale Medical remains a stable and trusted provider for the Hibiscus Coast.”
