Your privacy is always protected. Only health care professionals directly involved in your care can view your information, and all access is logged and audited.
You can also choose to opt out or mark specific information as confidential at any time.

To learn more, visit healthone.org.nz or speak with our team at reception.

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Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Now Required

From Friday, all patient portal users will be required to use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
Each time you log in, a One Time Code (OTC) will be sent to your phone or email. You must enter this code to access your account.

Why MFA is being introduced:

• Health information requires strong protection under the Privacy Act and Health Information Privacy Code
• Security expectations have increased across the health sector
• MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised access

This requirement applies to all users.

Updated Privacy Settings — More Transparency and Control

New privacy settings are being introduced within the portal.
You can choose whether the portal:

• Displays your medical summary
• Displays your consultation notes
• Securely stores health information retrieved for viewing (“Storage consent”)

These settings control what information is displayed in your portal. They do not give Vensa staff access to your health information.

How Storage Works

If you enable storage, information retrieved with your consent may be securely kept within the portal so you can view it again later.
If you turn storage off or remove access to a category, the portal will begin removing that stored information from your account.
Some limited records of actions you take in the portal (such as booking an appointment or requesting a prescription) are kept to support safe clinical care and administration.

What This Means for You

These updates provide:

• Stronger login protection
• Clearer privacy controls
• Greater transparency about how portal information is handled

If you prefer not to use the portal, you may continue to manage your care by contacting our reception team directly.

As with any online service, there is always a small amount of unavoidable risk.
We take extensive steps to protect your information, but no system can ever be 100% risk‑free.
If you prefer not to use the portal, you can continue to manage your care by contacting our reception team directly.

If you need assistance, please contact us at info@mastertonmedical.co.nz or Vensa at support@vensa.com

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It’s important to know that not everyone will qualify, and every GP and practice across New Zealand will apply these rules differently. A 12‑month prescription will only be given when your clinician believes it is safe and clinically appropriate.

Booking an Appointment for a Longer Prescription

To be considered for a 6‑month or 12‑month prescription, you must book an appointment with your usual GP. This consultation is required so your doctor can assess whether a longer prescription is suitable.

Please note:

• Attending this appointment does not guarantee that a longer prescription will be approved.
• There is a consultation fee, regardless of the outcome.
• Your doctor will decide what is safest for your health.
• For many patients, 3‑ or 6‑month prescriptions will remain the best option.
• This appointment is only to discuss prescription duration. If you have other health concerns, please book a separate appointment.

Important Things to Know

• Only a limited range of medications are approved for 12‑month prescribing.
• If you take multiple medications, some may qualify and others may not. In these cases, all medications will continue to be prescribed on the same cycle.
• Patients taking several medications usually require more frequent monitoring, which may make 12‑month prescribing unsuitable.
• An in‑person review with your GP is required before any change can be made.
• Until you have this review, your prescriptions will remain on the usual 3‑monthly cycle.
• Pharmacies can still only dispense up to 3 months of medication at a time, even if your prescription is for longer.

Who May Be Eligible for a 12‑Month Prescription?

You may be considered if:

• Your health condition is stable
• You do not need frequent monitoring (e.g., regular blood tests or blood pressure checks)
• Your medication is approved for 12‑month prescribing

You must also agree to:

• Attend a yearly in‑person review
• Complete required blood tests every 6–12 months, as advised by your GP

If these requirements are not met, your prescriptions will return to 3‑monthly intervals.

The post Important Update: Changes to Prescription Lengths – Effective 1 February 2026 appeared first on Masterton Medical.

While we take privacy and security seriously and follow best-practice standards, it’s important to understand that no online system can ever be 100% risk-free.

Your health information is valuable, and we encourage you to make choices that feel right for you. If you’re comfortable using online services, they’re available again. If you prefer other options, those remain in place too.

Thank you for your understanding and for taking an active role in protecting your own privacy.

The post Vensa Services Restored – Your Choice Matters appeared first on Masterton Medical.

You may have seen recent news about a cyber security incident involving the Manage My Health (MMH) patient portal. We understand this is concerning and want to provide clarity on what’s happening and what you can do.

Masterton Medical and MMH

Masterton Medical ceased using Manage My Health as its patient portal in September 2025.  No new information was uploaded to MMH after this date however historical information remained in Manage My Health.

What’s happening?

MMH has confirmed that some patient information stored on their platform was accessed during a recent cyber incident. They are managing the response and will contact affected individuals directly.

Why we can’t provide details

Although we are aware of the situation, MMH is responsible for notifying patients and providing specific information about what was accessed. This ensures accurate details and appropriate support.

What you can do now

If you previously used MMH and are concerned about historical data:

• Close your MMH account (deletes all data), or
• Request MMH to remove your clinical records while keeping your account active.

More information can be found here: MMH Historical data and removal process – Masterton Medical

MMH also recommends:

• Resetting your password
• Enabling two-factor authentication
• Being cautious of suspicious emails

For help, visit www.managemyhealth.co.nz

What happens next?

• MMH will notify impacted patients in phases, starting with current users.
• Notifications will include which documents were accessed and how to get support, including an 0800 helpline.
• Additional mental health support will be available for those experiencing distress.

Our reassurance:
Our practice systems (including Vensa) remain secure and unaffected. We are committed to protecting your health information.

Ngā mihi nui,
Masterton Medical

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If any of your information on Manage My Health has been impacted, the Manage My Health team will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
You can get the latest updates on the breach on their website: www.managemyhealth.co.nz
If you’d like to see what information you have stored with them, you can log into your MMH account.  

Patient FAQs

How can I confirm whether my personal information has been affected by the breach?
Affected individuals will be notified as soon as it is possible to verify the details of who is impacted and what data has been compromised.

What if I have changed practices – how will I know/how can I be contacted?
You will be contacted if you have been affected, no matter what practice that you are currently enrolled with.

How can I opt out of Manage My Health as a patient?
Go to the MMH app and sign in – go to My Account – Close Account 

What happens to my information on MMH if I leave the platform?
Your information is deleted when you close your account.

How can I find out more about this?
Manage My Health continue to update their FAQ page, and issue updates through their website https://managemyhealth.co.nz/faqs-cyber-breach/

Is there anything else I should be aware of?
Phishing attempts can increase following a cyber breach, with people claiming to have data. Please be extra cautious when opening emails from unknown sources, clicking links, or entering personal details.
MMH is encouraging enabling two-factor authentication and updating your password.

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