If you’ve called the clinic recently needing to be seen urgently, you may have been offered an appointment with Bec Brown, our Extended Care Paramedic.

It’s a role that many people haven’t come across before, but it’s helping patients get timely care when they need it most.

Extended Care Paramedics are highly trained health professionals who work alongside GPs to assess and treat a range of urgent but non-life-threatening conditions. The role was first introduced in larger centres and is now being rolled out more widely across Aotearoa New Zealand.

At Fifth Avenue Family Practice, Bec helps patients with a variety of same-day health concerns, including respiratory illnesses, urinary infections and other acute conditions that need prompt attention.

In many cases, patients can be assessed, treated and given advice without needing to see a GP. If further medical input is needed, Bec works closely with our doctors to make sure patients receive the right care.

“I can assess patients, provide treatment and prescribe some medications within my scope of practice,” says Bec. “If I think someone needs further review, we have clear processes for involving one of the doctors.”

Bec also supports the clinical team with procedures such as ECGs and can assist when patients are particularly unwell.

She brings a wealth of experience to the role. Before becoming a paramedic, Bec worked as a palliative care nurse and in aged care. She has spent the past 13 years working as a paramedic in New Zealand and has completed postgraduate training in extended care practice.

Originally from Newcastle in Australia, Bec moved to Aotearoa more than a decade ago and recently relocated from Auckland to Tauranga.

“I wanted a change and had heard great things about Tauranga,” she says. “Everyone at the practice has been incredibly welcoming, and it’s been lovely getting to know both the team and our patients.”

Outside of work, Bec enjoys spending time at the gym and is looking forward to getting back into surfing after growing up near the beach in Australia. If you’re feeling unwell and need to be seen quickly, our Reception team may offer you a same-day appointment with Bec. She works closely with our GPs and wider clinical team to ensure you receive the care that’s most appropriate for your needs.