Rangiora after hours healthcare meeting called

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

From local democracy reporter David Hill:

North Canterbury residents may soon get some answers about the future of after hours healthcare in the region.

Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand has accepted an invitation from Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey to appear at a public meeting in Rangiora on Thursday, April 27.

Doocey called the meeting in response to community concerns at the lack of progress on promised public health services at the Rangiora Health Hub.

The former Canterbury District Health Board announced in December 2020 its intention for an after hours facility to be operational by late 2022.

‘‘That date has come and gone and we’re now hearing it could be three years away, so it is important Health NZ comes back and answers the community’s questions,’’ Doocey said.

He said he hoped the meeting would provide some clarity around what hours the facility will operate and what services would be provided when it eventually opened.

‘‘I will be keen to hear what healthcare services can be fast-tracked and what can be put in place in the interim.’’

Te Whatu Ora entered into an agreement with South Link Health Services Group in 2020 to develop a family health and urgent care centre
at the Rangiora Health Hub.

‘‘This agreement is subject to several conditions,’’ a Te Whatu Ora spokesperson said.

‘‘Once these conditions have been met, South Link Health Services Group will be granted a ground lease and must complete this development with all reasonable speed.’’

The spokesperson referred questions about the progress of the project to South Link Health Services Group.

In the meantime, after hours provision in Rangiora included Durham Health being open Saturdays 9am to 12pm, telehealth GP consultation services through providers such as PracticePlus, and the St John nurse phone triage service.

Residents can access the triage service by calling their GP phoneline after-hours.

The Pegasus 24 Hour Surgery in Madras St, Christchurch, was also available to North Canterbury residents.

The Oxford Community Health Centre also provided after hours services to its registered clients, with a triage nurse and virtual GP
consultations.

Doocey launched a petition in November with Rangiora residents Sandi and David McLean, which he planned to present to Te Whatu Ora at the meeting.

South Link Health Services Group was also expected to be represented at the meeting.