West Coast DHB appeals to regional council for help with patient transport
From local democracy reporter Lois Williams:
The West Coast District Health Board is appealing to the West Coast Regional Council to support a public transport service between Greymouth and Westport.
Since 2012, the Buller branch of the Red Cross has run a community health shuttle for Westoport people with medical appointments in Greymouth.
But Red Cross throughout the country is moving out of providing patient transport and has given notice that the service will end next year.
DHB chairman Rick Barker told Friday's board meeting that the regional council was the organisation responsible for public transport.
"Currently there is none between Westport and Greymouth. Thus is an opportunity to approach the regional council about [starting] a reliable service that would work for the public and patients and the DHB."
Regional council chairman Allan Birchfield said the council would be open to the idea.
"It would need to be subsidised, and it would have to work in with one of the freight services to be viable. You could have a bus or van with freight in the back and passengers in the front."
Birchfield said he already floated the idea with one of the Coast freight operators.
"That's as far as it's got - it's early days but it is something the council will be looking at."
The West Coast DHB has an agreement with Red Cross to provide a small financial contribution toward the running costs of the vehicle it uses for the Westport to Greymouth shuttle.
The Ministry of Health subsidies patient travel through its National Travel Assistance scheme, but generally only patients referred for specialist appointments are eligible.
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
-
65.3% Yes
-
32.3% No
-
2.4% Other - I'll share below
Unlock the Answer: Today’s Riddle is Trickier Than You Think!
What English word retains the same pronunciation, even after you take away four of its five letters?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.
Loading…
