Porirua district health board candidate Robert Shaw says the petition to support Kenepuru hospital, and upgrade emergency services for the Porirua / Kapiti Coast, has so far drawn more than 2,000 signatures.

Regional councillor Chris Turver and Mr Shaw are together sponsoring a petition against the plan by Capital and Coast Health to remove hospital beds from the Kenepuru site within 5 years. They stress that both Porirua and Kapiti have a common interest in this matter.

Mr Shaw said the two-week old petition has struck a strong chord among Porirua residents who want the purpose designed site developed as was originally intended.

"Both Chris and I have been pretty busy satisfying the demand for forms over the last 2 weeks.

"Fortunately, many people are able to arrange their own photocopies and that has made things easier.

"Our petition is addressed to the Minister of Health, Annette King, who will make the key decisions.

"Capital and Coast Health's plan seems to be inconsistent with the brief the Minister gave them over a year ago, so we belive the petition will strike a positive note with the Minister.

ENDS

More about Robert: http://robertshaw.freeyellow.com/index.html

From: Robert Shaw 43 Eskdale Road Papakowhai Porirua City NEW ZEALAND

Direct telephone / fax: +64 4 233 0252 Email: robert.shaw@xtra.co.nz

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