Silverdale Medical Centre has confirmed another fee increase, with the cost of a standard consultation rising to $81 from Friday, 1st August 2025.

It’s the second increase in under a year.

In October, fees rose from $73.50 to $79.20.

This time, the clinic says it’s still grappling with rising costs, limited funding, and the need to fairly pay skilled staff.

In an email to patients this week, Silverdale Medical acknowledged the strain.

“We understand that this may add pressure on you, especially as many people in our community are already struggling with rising living costs.”

The centre points to key challenges:

• A 12% increase in healthcare delivery costs
• Only a 4% bump in government funding
• A need to pay staff the new living wage of $27.80 per hour

They also say they’ve been blocked from setting fees based on actual costs.

“Health NZ’s research shows costs are up over 12%, but we’re only allowed to lift patient fees by just over 2%.”

For Coasties, that means more money out of pocket for everyday healthcare.

It’s a reminder of the financial squeeze facing both patients and providers in our community.

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