NEW PATIENT BOOKLET

www.amberleymc.co.nz

6 Hilton Drive, Amberley

P 03 314 8504

24 / 7 MEDICAL + EMERGENCY CARE

WELCOME TO OUR PRACTICE

6 Hilton Drive, Amberley 7441 P O Box 35, Amberley 7441

P 03 314 8504F 03 314 8535E admin@amberleymc.co.nz

Monday to Friday 8.00am – 6.00pm

Late Night - Thursday un�l 8.00pmWalk-In Clinics - Saturday & Sunday 10.00am – 1.00pm and most public holidays

www.amberleymc.co.nz

Contact us

Clinic Open Times

Medical + Emergency

AFTER HOURSThe Amberley Medical Centre provides 24 hour medical and emergency care 7 days a week.

A�er Hours Urgent Care, What you should do:

- In an emergency, always dial 111 -

If you require urgent medical care during a �me when our medical centre is closed, please phone: 03 314 8504

Your call will be answered by a qualified Triage Nurse. They will either:

· Answer your health ques�on

· Recommend a visit to your General Prac�ce the following day

· Connect you to our on-call clinician

· Arrange an ambulance

Our Walk-in clinics operate every Saturday, Sunday and most Public Holidays between the hours of 10am and 1pm.

Whilst we will try to give you an indica�on of how long you are likely to wait to be seen, please be mindful that this is an es�mate only and will be dependent on the triage (urgency or severity) of other pa�ents.

www.amberleymc.co.nz

Amberley Medical Centre is situated in the heart of North Canterbury; the southern region of the Hurunui District and a 50 km drive from Christchurch Hospital. We are a rural service town with access to both coastal and inland areas and nestled on the edge of the Waipara Valley wine region. Check out your guide to Amberley at www.amberleyNZ.nz

Because of our rural loca�on, we understand the need to offer much more than the usual level of medical care. We provide 24 hour medical and emergency care for our pa�ents and our community and we focus on providing a sustainable, accessible and integrated health service to help you maintain health, independence and wellness within your own community.

We are very proud of our highly qualified and dedicated team who are commi�ed to providing the best service for you and our community 24/7. Most of our team live and work in our community and we all share our vision of equitable healthcare for rural communi�es.

The Amberley Medical Centre boasts a modern, comfortable fully equipped medical facility and we warmly welcome you, your family, friends and colleagues to our prac�ce.

welcome

www.amberleymc.co.nz

Prac�ce Manager

Kind regards,

DeniseDenise Cope

This booklet will hopefully provide you with a li�le more insight into what is offered here at the AMC. If you need any further informa�on, please call in, give us a call or email us at admin@amberleymc.co.nz.

Our Vision Equitable healthcare for our rural community.

Our Purpose To provide a sustainable, accessible and integrated health service; enabling people to maintain health, independence and wellness

within their own community.

Keeping our Pa�ents Informed

OUR SERVICES Family Health Ensuring wellbeing for all the family across all ages; including children's developmental, behavioural and physical health. We also deliver the Na�onal Immunisa�on Schedule free to babies, children, adolescents and adults.

Family planning and maternity We have a team of experienced clinicians who can provide you with care, support and advice around your family planning, fer�lity, maternity and post-natal needs and concerns.

Mental health support & Counselling We believe that physical, mental and emo�onal health are deeply entwined and is treated in an integrated and holis�c manner by our team and supported by our in-house Counsellor, Mary Hamilton.

Pallia�ve care Our very experienced GPs provide an experienced, compassionate and comprehensive pallia�ve care service and work closely with our local District Nurse service to support pa�ents and their families in their homes or the community through any life-limi�ng illness.

Skin Checks Full skin checks, skin biopsies, excisions of lesions, cryotherapy and ongoing surveillance for Melanoma pa�ents. Dr Chris Vodde has had specialist training in Dermoscopy which helps him in iden�fying malignant and non-malignant lesions. Dr Vodde also offers surgical services to remove any lesions of concern.

Minor Surgery A number of our doctors are skilled in minor surgery services. Surgery at your local prac�ce is significantly more convenient and saves considerable travel �me for your procedure and follow up appointments.

Spirometry

Amberley Medical Centre is an accredited community provider for Spirometry. We offer full respiratory tes�ng with follow-up care aimed at improving health and wellbeing for people with chronic respiratory illnesses.

Audiology

Vera Setz Audiology offers a full audiology service at the Amberley Medical Centre. Services include ACC hearing assessments, hearing aid supplies and ear hygiene.

Sexual Health

Both Doctors and Nurses are involved in providing care and advice around contracep�on, cervical screening, diagnosis and treatment of STIs (sexually transmi�ed infec�ons), management of erec�le dysfunc�on and management of gynaecological health.

Chronic Disease Management

Our nursing team and GPs provide a collabora�ve approach to chronic disease management, including Diabetes, Heart Disease, Asthma, COPD, Mental Health and more.

FREE Medical + ACC appointments for under 14 years olds

FREE Sexual Health and Contracep�ve Appointment for pa�ents under 18 years of age. Free Services

ACC Wound Review

Immunisa�on Schedule *Pa�ents must be registered at AMC and further condi�ons may also apply.

Travel Medicine

Prac�ce Nurse, Lucy Batchelor, offers a comprehensive Travel Medicine Clinic. Whether travelling for work, or fun, we can provide you the informa�on, advice and any recommended immunisa�ons you need for a great journey and safe and healthy return home.

Business Health & Safety

Healthy employees are essen�al for high performance and produc�vity. Our team provides Employment Medicals, annual health reviews and help businesses manage risks, mi�gate the impact of injuries and assist with rehabilita�on and an early return to work. Our Business Health Team is also accredited to provide Drug and Alcohol tes�ng.

Nutri�on and Lifestyle Choices

The founda�on of good health and wellbeing starts here. Our nurses follow the philosophy of establishing a healthy rela�onship with food and ea�ng habits and can advise on a�aining and maintaining a healthy weight, enjoying exercise, promo�ng good sleep habits, addressing mental health and rela�onship issues.

Blood tests

Before School Checks

SERVICES con�nued

Dr Rex Yule Rex is passionate about providing excellent

health care to our rural community. He has specialist training in Paediatrics, Gynae and Obstetrics and a special interest in Pallia�ve Care & Emergency Medicine.

Rex loves working with colleagues who are commi�ed to maintain and develop coordinated health care services.

Dr Chris Vodde Chris has specialist training in skin

condi�ons and lesions as well as musculoskeletal disorders and He performs minor surgery at the clinic when needed.

Chris moved to Amberley in 2012 with my family and very

much enjoys the lifestyle and working as a rural GP.

meet our TEAM

Dr Deirdre Clink Deirdre will join us in December, she is a

proud Sco�sh Kiwi with 30 years experience working as a GP. She is passionate about providing high quality care to all her pa�ents.

Outside of work she enjoys running, pain�ng, singing and suppor�ng her favourite rugby team the Crusaders.

Dr Owen Miller Owen Miller has been prac�cing medicine since 2013, he enjoys the face to face contact with people and being part of the greater rural community. Owens’ passions are managing Chronic Illness, Pallia�ve Care and Men's health.

Owen is a locally born and bred, he's returned with his wife and son to North Canterbury a�er a s�nt in the UK .

Kerr Wright is Sco�sh born and trained, he came to New

Zealand in 1995 and has worked in a wide variety of se�ngs including 8 years remote service and Aboriginal Health in The Kimberley, Northern Australia. Kerr has a passion for emergency medicine and child health.

Chris Long Nurse Manager - I have lived and worked in the community for the last 25 years & love the scope and challenge that the delivery of rural primary health care brings to nursing prac�ce. I am developing nurse-led services and am working to build sustainability to our nursing prac�ce. Together, we will create a new model of collabora�ve service delivery to meet the needs of rural communi�es.

Mary Hamilton Counsellor & Prac�ce Nurse - I am invested in Amberley and rural healthcare, my passion is Mental Health. My nursing philosophy is that our physical, mental and emo�onal health are all deeply entwined and this is reflected in my prac�ce. My pa�ents are offered integrated and holis�c treatment op�ons, where possible.

Ka�e Cro� Prac�ce Nurse - I am passionate about rural medicine and proud of how it supports our community. I have a par�cular interest in Heart Health, Cardiac Rehabilita�on and Diabetes Care and have developed a successful Cardiac Rehab group in Amberley. I have a par�cular interest in problem solving, medica�on interac�on, nutri�on and offering informa�on and support.

Lesly Askin Prac�ce Nurse - I thoroughly enjoy the many facets of my role as a Prac�ce Nurse and enjoy working with the team at Amberley Medical Centre. I have a par�cular interest in minor surgery and wound care and am also passionate about helping people with nutri�on and weight management as well as sleep issues.

con�nuedOUR TEAM

Lucy Batchelor Prac�ce Nurse - I enjoy working as part of

the team at Amberley Medical Centre and love all aspects of nursing and Primary Health Care. I have developed a par�cular interest in Childhood Immunisa�ons, Travel Vaccines, Sexual and Women’s Health and Trauma Nursing. I have been nursing since 1992 and raised my family in Greta Valley.

Hannah Wix Prac�ce Nurse - I spent some of my student

years at AMC and have returned as a qualified nurse.

I am passionate about wounds, and I love the diversity that nursing offers, as a career. I enjoy helping people, and aspire to assist people to make the most out of their life, regardless of their health status.

Janet Murray Prac�ce Nurse - I enjoy working as part of

the team at Amberley Medical Centre and the overall approach to rural healthcare.

I have lived and worked in this district most of my life in farming and healthcare. I have worked in several medical prac�ces as well as at the Christchurch and Waikari hospitals.

Kylie Robson Prac�ce Nurse - I love all aspects of nursing,

par�cularly working in triage - where every day is so different. I really enjoy being part of the Amberley Medical Centre team, and the North Canterbury community.

I’ve been nursing for the past 20 years and my long term goals is to be PRIME trained.

Kirsty Deans Nurse Prescriber - Kirsty is passionate about

nursing, she has had extra training to become a specialised Nurse Prescriber and is now working through her masters in Nursing, because - why not be the best you can be!

Passionate about emergency nursing and helping people find calm in those moments of chaos and also enjoys working with children, par�cularly in AMCs sick children clinics.

Julie Hansen Prac�ce Nurse - Julie has worked in both

Public and Private Healthcare. She decided to train in Prac�ce nursing because she enjoys the greater rapport and personalised interac�on with each pa�ent in General Prac�ce. She specialises in Wound care and Phlebotomy and also works externally in cosme�c medicine.

NURSE LED SERVICES

In my experience, the most valuable advice that I can offer is - stop smoking and maintain regular daily exercise (as much as you are able. No marathons expected).

I am also accredited to do the community spirometry testing (lung function testing) and this guides us on how to manage your symptoms. There are numerous new inhaled medication options available these days to improve your respiratory function and health in general.

This includes trialling new inhalers to reduce symptoms and action plans for severe asthmatics and COPD patients which enables you to manage infections and escalating episodes of breathlessness in a timely manner.

So, if you are struggling with breathlessness or cough make an appointment to either see your GP, or myself.

Katie Croft

RESPIRATORY ILLNESS

Chris LongI have been assisting our respiratory patients for many years now. The foundation of this is good health education to promote understanding of and compliance with the appropriate inhaled medication.

with

DIABETES discussions withWe have a new fully funded tool in our fight for better blood sugar control. It is called Galvus or Vildagliptin. It is a medication that helps to reduce blood sugars with fewer side effects. It is usually used with Metformin and there is even a tablet that combines both medications. It can also be used with insulin.

While Galvus is an exciting development I recently attended an education session presented by Professor Russel Scott who reminded us all that the best way to reduce blood sugar averages (HbA1c) is weight loss. He recommended around the 10% of body weight or 10kgs and that achieving this can result in a 10-20 point reduction in your HbA1c. Interestingly, medication alone usually only reduces HbA1c by 8-10 points.

I look forward to meeting you and discussing this further in our Diabetes review.

Our nurses have specialised expertise, keep them in mind when booking, as you may not always need a doctor.

Do you work outside or have a skin spot that you're concerned about?

Practice Nurse, Lesley Askin, works alongside our in-house skin specialist Dr Chris Vodde, together they offers full skin checks, skin biopsies, excision of lesions, cryotherapy and ongoing surveillance for all skin cancers.

SKIN HEALTH Lesley Askinwith

FAMILY PLANNING Lucy Batchelorwithand

Sexual HealthWith a Family Planning Certificate in Sexual Health, our Rural Nurse Specialist Lucy Batchelor offers contraception and sexual health appointments. Lucy can advise you about contraception options and is also authorised to prescribe the contraceptive pill.

Sexual Health consultations are FREE for all enrolled patients under 21 years of age. New funding has also become available for long acting reversible contraception such as IUCDs, Depo-Provera and Jadelles. Lucy will be able to advise whether you are eligible for this funding.

OUR NURSE PRESCRIBER Kirsty Deans

Kirsty Deans is our registered Nurse Prescriber.

This allows her to issue prescriptions for specific chronic conditions such as hypertension, anxiety, depression, heart failure, gout, contraception and many more.

Kirsty can review your current medications as well as issue your prescription.

If your job involves outdoor work, skin health needs to be a priority. Our skin appointments take 30 minutes, so please tell the receptionist when you book in.

* Depending upon your type of work, the cost of your Skin Check appointment may be tax deductible. Check with your accountant.

Book an appointment with Practice Nurse, Lesley Askin for skin advice.

The Amberley Medical Centre is commi�ed to working with our community and providing you with excellent healthcare. We encourage pa�ents to enrol with their local Prac�ce to ensure you have con�nued access to essen�al local 24 hour medical and emergency care right here in Amberley.

Enrolling with the Amberley Medical Centre is simple: call in and collect an enrolment form from Recep�on, or go to our website www.amberleymc.co.nz and download the enrolment form.

On return of the completed form to the Prac�ce we will process your registra�on and request your medical notes from your present Prac�ce.

HOW TO ENROL

When enrolling with a Prac�ce, you are choosing them as your regular and ongoing provider of healthcare, and it is important that you read and understand the terms of your enrolment.

There are two important steps to consider when a person wishes to enrol at a Prac�ce. The Prac�ce has to iden�fy that you are eligible for publicly-funded health services and that you are en�tled to enrol with the Amberley Medical Centre.

All New Zealand ci�zens are eligible for publicly-funded health services.

People who are en�tled to enrol must reside permanently in New Zealand. A person is considered to reside permanently in New Zealand if

they intend to be resident for at least 183 days in the next 12 months.

Please be aware that our recep�on staff are obliged to confirm your residency status when enrolling. This is a requirement of the Ministry of Health and we thank you for your co-opera�on and support.

If you have any ques�ons about eligibility or en�tlement then we are more than happy to talk to you.

ENROLMENT ELIGIBILITY AND FUNDING

WHAT TO BRING WITH YOUPlease note that in line with the Ministry of Health's requirements, we will require ID in the form of one of the following:

• Passport

• Birth Cer�ficate

• Community Services Card or Gold Card

• Travel or Work Visa

We require pa�ents to visit the Prac�ce every three months for their prescrip�on. This is in line with safe prescribing prac�ce.

For some medica�ons the GP may require you to a�end for six monthly review rather than the usual three month review. You will need to discuss whether this is appropriate for you with your GP.

If you have been approved for repeat prescrip�ons without a consult, please order via our on-line pa�ent service www.amberleymc.co.nz or call 03 314 8504.

Please allow 24 hours for repeat prescrip�on to be prepared. You will be charged the usual repeat prescrip�on fee for this service.

Repeat Prescribing Policy

Now that you've completed the process of enrolling with the Amberley Medical Centre, one of the many benefits you will enjoy as an enrolled pa�ent is the opportunity to book in for a free health check with one of our experienced Prac�ce Nurses. This assists with our understanding of your health requirements (medica�ons, chronic disease management) and iden�fy any health issues which may be of concern to you. It also gives you the opportunity to meet some of our team and familiarise yourself with the Prac�ce.

for all new pa�entsFree Health Check

The Amberley Medical Centre is jointly owned by the Be�er Health Group and Dr Rex Yule, Dr Clinton Newbury and Prac�ce Nurses: Chris Long, Mary Hamilton and Lesley Askin.

All pa�ents are en�tled to have a chaperone with them for any appointment. The chaperone can be a family member, friend or a staff member. If you want a member of staff to accompany you during the visit, please let the recep�onist know when you arrive for your appointment.

An interpre�ng service and other special assistance is available for hearing, sight and speech impaired pa�ents. Please ask at recep�on for further informa�on.

SPECIAL ASSISTANCE, CHAPERONES + INTERPRETING SERVICE

We have a Pay on the Day Policy for all consulta�ons. Payment can be made by E�pos, Cash, Cheque or Automa�c Payment.

PAY ON THE DAY - ACCOUNTS POLICY

COMPLAINTS & FEEDBACKThe Amberley Medical Centre acknowledges the rights of the pa�ent outlined within the Health & Disability Commissioners Code of Rights and we aim to provide a high quality, professional service for all pa�ents at all �mes.

If you have any complaints about the treatment or service you have received, please ask for a copy of our complaints leaflet.

We also have a feedback box in the wai�ng room and welcome any ideas, or comments.

A�er hours + Walk-In ClinicsWe are always available for our community. The a�er hours service

provides 24/7 care for enrolled pa�ents and visitors to our community.

We also hold Walk-In clinics on weekends and most public holidays.

It is important that you understand the following informa�on in rela�on to the privacy of your health informa�on.

Access to your health informa�on

You have the right to access (and have corrected) your health informa�on under Rules 6 and 7 of the Health Informa�on Privacy Code 1994.

Visi�ng another GP

If you visit another GP who is not your regular doctor you will be asked for permission to share informa�on from the visit with your regular doctor or prac�ce.

If you are under 13 years old and have a High User Health Card, or a Community Services Card, and you visit another GP who is not your regular doctor, he/she can make a claim for a subsidy, and the Prac�ce you are enrolled in will be informed of the date of that visit. The name of the Prac�ce you visited and the reason(s) for the visit will not be disclosed unless you give your consent.

Pa�ent enrolment informa�on

The informa�on you have provided on the Prac�ce Enrolment Form will be:

• Held by the Prac�ce

• Used by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to give you a Na�onal Health Index (NHI) number, or update any change

• Sent to the PHO and MOH to obtain subsidised funding on your behalf

• Used to determine eligibility to receive publicly-funded services. Informa�on may be compared with other government agencies but only when permi�ed under the Privacy Act.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

HEALTH INFORMATION PRIVACY STATEMENT

Health Informa�on

Members of your health team may:

• Add to your health record during any services provided to you and use that informa�on to provide appropriate care

• Share relevant health informa�on to other health professionals who are directly involved in your care

Audit

In the case of financial audits, your health informa�on may be reviewed by an auditor for checking a financial claim made by the Prac�ce, but only according to the terms and condi�ons of sec�on 23G of the Health Act (or any subsequent applicable Act). You may be contacted by the auditor to check that services have been received. If the audit involves checking on health ma�ers, an appropriately qualified healthcare prac��oner will view the health records.

Health Programmes

Health data relevant to a programme in which you are enrolled (e.g. Breast Screening, Immunisa�on, Diabetes) may be sent to the PHO or the external health agency managing this programme.

Other uses of health informa�on

Health informa�on which will not include your name but may include your Na�onal Health Index (NHI) iden�fier may be used by health agencies such as the District Health Board, Ministry of Health or PHO for the following purposes, as long as it is not used or published in a way that can iden�fy you:

• Health service planning and repor�ng

• Monitoring service quality, and

• Payment

Research

Your health informa�on may be used for health research, but only if this has been approved by an Ethics Commi�ee and will not be used or published in a way that can iden�fy you.

Except as listed above, you understand that the details about your health status or the services you have received will remain confiden�al within the medical prac�ce unless you give specific consent for this informa�on to be communicated.

We welcome you to the Amberley Medical Centre Enrol today!

The Amberley Medical Centre is a member of the Waitaha Primary Health Organisa�on.

Primary Health Organisa�ons (PHOs) are the local structures for delivering and co-ordina�ng primary health care services. The fund-holding role of PHOs allows an extended range of services to be provided across the collec�ve of providers within a PHO. They bring together doctors, nurses and other health professionals (such as Maori health workers, health promoters, die�cians, pharmacists, physiotherapists, mental health workers and midwives) in the community to serve the needs of their enrolled popula�ons.

Find out more about Waitaha at www.waitaha.health.nz

Your health informa�on is shared between your healthcare providers using HealthOne, a secure system for storing electronic pa�ent records.

HealthOne stores health informa�on such as GP records, allergies, prescribed medica�ons and test results. Only authorised healthcare providers such as doctors, nurses and pharmacies can access that informa�on at their place of work.

Sharing health informa�on means be�er, safer care, more complete health informa�on is available in a �mely fashion and you do not have to remember your medical history and prescribed medicines.

Your health informa�on is confiden�al and only available to your care team, no one else.

You can choose not to share your informa�on.

You can request that specific parts of your informa�on are not shared, or opt out altogether so that none of it is shared. Please talk to recep�on if this applies to you.

If you choose not to share informa�on you need to be aware that your health professional may not immediately have informa�on they need to provide the best and safest care possible.

For more informa�on on HealthOne visit www.HealthOne.org.nz or phone 0508 837 872, or speak to us at the Amberley Medical Centre.

SERVICES to keep in mind

Travel is exci�ng, the chance to experience new cultures, countries, exci�ng food and doing things you've always dreamed of.

Even if you're returning to your country of birth, you need to be correctly protected - especially if you're travelling to Africa, Asia, the Indian subcon�nent, The Middle East, Oceania or South America.

Here at the Amberley Medical Centre we belong to the Worldwise Travelers Health and Vaccina�on Centre - ge�ng regular up to date Travel alerts, warnings, health precau�ons and safety alerts to keep us aware of what's happening in the world.

We can give you advice on the appropriate immunisa�ons and maximise your health protec�on.

Before travelling childhood immunisa�on should be up to date and, depending on where you are travelling to, you may also need addi�onal boosters and other travel specific immunisa�ons.

Travel Medicine

Appointments are available for children under 14 years at the end of each morning and a�ernoon. The clinics are run by our highly qualified and experienced Prac�ce Nurses who will provide a clinical assessment of your child and offer advice on treatment op�ons. A Doctor will be available if the nurse has addi�onal concerns or a prescrip�on is needed.

Our Sick Child Clinics are held at the end of each morning and a�ernoon. If your child needs to be seen urgently, please talk with our Recep�onist who can arrange an earlier appointment with our Triage Nurse.

Please call the medical centre to schedule an appointment or use our online booking service. Visits will be free as always to children under 14 years of age.

A fee will apply for non-enrolled children.

Sick Child Clinic

www.amberleymc.co.nz6 Hilton Drive, Amberley 7441

Phlebotomy / Blood TestsPhlebotomy Clinics are held daily.

Most blood tests are free for Enrolled pa�ents. Casual pa�ents and Visitors will be charged a fee for this service.

Pa�ents will be on-charged the laboratory fees for any tests which are ineligible for government funding.

Please book via our on-line service, or call the clinic.

PH 03 314 8504

EASY-CLAIM

Amberley Medical Centre is a par�cipa�ng healthcare provider for Southern Cross Easy-claim.

Southern Cross Easy-claim is a convenient way for Southern Cross members to claim for eligible healthcare services at the �me of purchase, without comple�ng a claim form.

Simply present your Member card at the counter and our Recep�on staff will apply online for your cover to be approved on the spot.

If your plan covers the product or service (i.e. Doctor visit, annual health check, flu vaccina�on, minor surgery) and it qualifies, you'll only pay the remaining contribu�on you're responsible for. So you don't have to worry about filling out claim forms or wait for a refund.

PLEASE NOTE: *Terms and condi�ons will apply depending on your policy – you may wish to check with Southern Cross before you present your card at the Medical Centre.

www.amberleymc.co.nz

NOTE : You will need an email address and access to a mobile phone.

Convenient and easy online services

Manage your appointments,

repeat prescrip�ons and test results at home, work

or from your mobile.

PH 03 314 85046 Hilton Drive, Amberley 7441

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FAMILY HEALTH

IMMUNISATION

SKIN CHECKS

PALLIATIVE CARE

COUNSELLING

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

FAMILY PLANNING + MATERNITY

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH + SAFETY

NUTRITION + LIFESTYLE CHOICES

MINOR SURGERY

SPIROMETRY + AUDIOLOGY

SEXUAL HEALTH

TRAVEL MEDICINE

EMPLOYMENT MEDICALS

CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT - DIABETES, RESPIRATORY + CARDIAC CARE

Welcome to the district.

We look forward to having you

in our community!

Medical + Emergency