Practitioners
Dr Suzanne Washington
MBChB, FRNZCGP
Born and trained in the UK, came to NZ in 1997. Previous experience in hospital medicine and the emergency department. Special interest in family planning and sexual health medicine, emergency medicine, dermoscopy, and minor surgery. Instructor for NZ Red Cross.
Dr Pete Thomas
MBChB, Dip Obs, MRNZCGP.
I was born in Hamilton, NZ and after traveling I started out as a GP in Hanmer Springs with my young family. Since then I have been working in a Richmond practice for over 20 years and now look forward to joining the friendly team at Hauora Health Centre. I enjoy being in the outdoors - tramping, camping, mountain biking as well as having lots of time with my family. I enjoy all aspects of General Practice and am developing a special interest in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.
Deborah Barber
BMed MD BSc(Med) Hons, FRACGP
I completed by primary medical degree through the University of New South Wales in Sydney and obtained my Fellowship through the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. My particular areas of interest are Women’s and Children's health. In my spare time I enjoy running and hiking in the great outdoors. Having only recently moved over from Australia, I am thoroughly enjoying all that beautiful Nelson has to offer and it is wonderful to join such a great team at Hauora Health Centre.
Our Nurses
Sarah Green
BA (Hons), NZRN, Dip HIV/AIDS
I am a UK-trained Registered Nurse and prior to working in general practice, I worked in Oncology, Neonatal research, and Emergency Medicine. I came into general practice 13 years ago after doing a post-grad certificate in asthma and COPD. I continued my vocational training with primary care-based diabetes, trauma, and mental health education. I have three amazing children and a husband who also works within Hauora Health Centre. Early in 2018, we wanted to be responsive to patient needs, be agile enough to make good decisions quickly without lengthy bureaucracy, and bring modern health technology into general practice. I am passionately committed to the Hauora principles and hope to grow the practice to one that you feel welcomed into, where you feel we know you and where you trust us as partners in your health and well-being.
Paige Pointon
BA, NZRN
I am a locally trained practice nurse, studied here at NMIT then completed my NETP and worked at a rural health care facility in Murchison. Murchison is where I grew up, so I really enjoyed giving back to my hometown community for a few years. I enjoy working in general practice for a variety, everyday challenges, and expanding my nursing scope. I also enjoy playing netball, baking, and visiting my family and friends.
Emma Nikolajenko
BN, PG Dip Massey University
I grew up in Nelson and graduated from Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology in 2004, followed by my postgraduate year in Melbourne. I am currently studying for a Master of Nursing through Massey University, with my intern Nurse Practitioner year planned for 2022. I have worked in a variety of hospital and community settings in NZ, Australia and the UK and have special interests in intravenous therapies, inflammatory bowel disease, health promotion, diabetes, and mental health.
I live locally with my husband and two young boys, and enjoy spending time outdoors on our regular caravan trips. It is a pleasure working alongside my team members at Hauora, and I look forward to helping you on your health journey.
Ilona HAMILTON
BA, NZRN
Kia Ora, my name is Ilona and I have been nursing for 9 years, and I have spent 6 of those years in Intensive care/ Coronary Care as well as working in the Nelson-based Air Ambulance. I have completed my post-graduate diploma in Nursing Science. I have moved to Practice Nursing in 2020 after having my son and I thoroughly enjoy the diversity and skills that it offers. In my spare time, I enjoy the beaches and exploring the region and catching up on sleep!
Our Support and Admin Team
Liz Copeland
Reception -
Jackie Cooper
Reception -
