611 days ago

Rangiora after-hours clinic faces more delays

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

The wait continues for a promised North Canterbury after hours healthcare facility.

Work is yet to begin on the proposed new Rangiora Medical Centre at the Rangiora Health Hub on Ashley St, which was first proposed more than five years ago.

The Waimakariri District Council granted a resource consent for the project in 2022, while the building consent is still being processed.

A council spokesperson said the application was on hold while some civil construction details are resolved by the applicants’ consultants.
‘‘We hope to be able to grant the consent in the very near future.’’

The Ministry of Health entered into an agreement with South Link Health Group in 2021 to build the after hours facility, following a petition being presented to the former Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) two years earlier.

South Link Health Group is a network of 26 medical practises, and is responsible for funding and constructing the new facility.

It will include full radiology services (ultrasound, CT and MRI scans), GP services, a pharmacy, and urgent after hours healthcare.

A spokesperson for South Link Health said in December work was expected to begin on the site in March, with the medical centre on track to open in the first half of 2025.

In the meantime, limited after hours healthcare is available at Durham Health, Rangiora, and the Amberley Medical Centre, and at local pharmacies.

Residents can ring 111 in an emergency, contact their GP to speak to a triage nurse, call Healthline 0800 611116 for free advice from a nurse, or arrange online video consultations with a doctor (for a charge).

The after hours triage service is delivered by Whakarongarou and operates in North Canterbury, with access to a St John paramedic if a face to face assessment is required.

A rural after hours service, Ka Ora Telecare, offers phone or video consultations with a doctor. Go to kaora.co.nz/app/services/sub-services/3. The Pegasus 24 Hour Surgery in Christchurch is also available.

■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.

Image
More messages from your neighbours
4 days ago

Neighbourhood Challenge: Who Can Crack This One? ⛓️‍💥❔

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What has a head but no brain?

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

Want to stop seeing these 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.

Image
27 days ago

Some Choice News!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.

Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.

Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?

Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!

Image
1 day ago

Ashley Christmas Carol Service - All Welcome

Jeneane Hobby from Ashley Community Church Incorporated

Time for our annual Christmas Carol Service.
7 pm Wednesday 24 December - that's Christmas Eve.
39 Canterbury St, in the Ashley Village - signposted from Scenic Route 72.

Our guest service leader, Paul Askin, and his band of talented musicians will take us through a programme of favourite carols and worship.

Supper to follow.

A koha/donation will be greatly appreciated. Funds raised go towards the maintenance and repairs of our heritage building.

Enquiries: Ph 027 289 1380

Image