White Cross Aranui GP, previously known as Eastcare Health in Aranui, is an appointment-only General Practice clinic in Christchurch looking after an enrolled patient base. While the clinic doesn't see casual patients, new patients are welcome to enrol, and same-day GP appointments are usually available. The clinic describes itself as friendly and family-focused, supporting the local community with an extensive range of GP services.
Alongside its GP team, the clinic runs dedicated nurse clinics covering diabetes support, cervical smears, smoking cessation, ACC wound care, sexual health (free for under 19s), cryotherapy for warts and some skin conditions, and treatment of uncomplicated urine infections for women aged 16-65. An on-site wellbeing team — a Health Improvement Practitioner, Health Coach, and Support Worker — provides free support for enrolled patients working alongside their doctor and nurse.
As part of the nationwide White Cross network, Aranui patients also get access to Bettr, a 24/7 online GP service, plus an online patient portal for booking appointments, requesting repeat scripts and checking lab results, and the ability to visit any White Cross Urgent Care clinic nationwide at the enrolled patient price when travelling.
Located at 283 Breezes Road in Aranui, Christchurch, White Cross Aranui GP was previously known as Eastcare Health in Aranui. Today it operates as an appointment-only General Practice clinic looking after an enrolled patient base, with a team that describes itself as friendly and family-focused, supporting the local community with an extensive range of GP services.
While the clinic doesn't see casual walk-in patients, it welcomes new enrolments, and same-day GP appointments are usually available once you're on the books. The clinic's experienced team of doctors and nurses is described as caring and committed to providing high quality, accessible care.
Beyond standard GP consultations, White Cross Aranui runs a series of nurse-led clinics covering specific needs: diabetes support with lifestyle and medication advice, cervical smears, smoking cessation support, ACC wound care (which doesn't always require a separate GP appointment), sexual health consultations that are free for anyone under 19, cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen for warts and some skin conditions (subject to GP approval), and treatment for uncomplicated urine infections in women aged 16 to 65.
One feature that sets this clinic apart is its on-site wellbeing team, made up of a Health Improvement Practitioner (HIP), a Health Coach, and a Support Worker — all free for enrolled patients. The HIP is an experienced mental health clinician working with people of all ages and their whanau on any issue affecting health and wellbeing. The Health Coach helps patients build the knowledge, skills and confidence to manage their own health, including setting and working toward health goals. The Support Worker is based in the community and can help with anything affecting a patient's wellbeing, from home visits to connecting people with housing, social support, or cultural support — all working alongside the patient's doctor and nurse.
As part of White Cross, a well-established nationwide network, Aranui patients get access to a few extra benefits. Bettr, the network's 24/7 online GP service, offers around-the-clock consultations, often with same-day availability, priced at $45 for enrolled adults, $25 for those with a Community Services Card, and free for enrolled patients under 14. An online patient portal, Manage My Health, lets patients book appointments, request repeat scripts, and check lab results and immunisation records from anywhere. Enrolled patients who travel can also visit any White Cross Urgent Care clinic nationwide and only pay the enrolled patient price — a saving of up to $50 per visit compared to casual rates.
The clinic is led by Dr David Bruce, GP Fellow & Medical Director, who has called Christchurch home for nine years and has a special interest in men's health and respiratory conditions. Dr Emma Locke, a GP who trained in Christchurch and Akaroa, has practised in East Christchurch for over 17 years, while Dr Ben Green, a final-year GP registrar, has a particular interest in children's health and musculoskeletal medicine. On the nursing side, Nurse Practitioner Roxy Coman brings over 20 years of nursing experience, Registered Nurse Rachel Brown works closely with patients and whanau, and Bailee, a fourth-year Registered Nurse, has a special interest in sexual health and wound care. Practice Manager Nikki Kohalmi, who was born and raised in Aranui, oversees the team alongside receptionists Eleanor Ashton and Brana King.
White Cross Aranui GP is open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm, closed on weekends. The clinic offers parking and is wheelchair accessible, with a female doctor available. For questions, patients can email [email protected] or call the clinic directly.