Health Centre

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

+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.