Sun, 08 Aug 2004

Porirua's After-Hours Medical Centre to Close

Our Council must fight the closure of Porirua's After Hours Medical Centre said Councillor Robert Shaw.

The Health Board has announced the Centre is likely to close in April and that the services associated with it are happy to relocate.

Chief executive Margo Mains said this was the Boards "desired option" and that is supported by "most of the 21 shareholders".

However, the public has not been consulted said Cr Shaw.

He has moved a motion to have a special council meeting develop an action plan to fight both the closure of the Porirua After Hours Service and the Boards new fees.

"Too many decisions that affect ordinary people are being made behind closed doors with invited participants only."

The Board has no intention of providing us with a hospital and they want to charge for GP and nurse services.

The result is bizzar. The Board now says it is to replace patients intial assessment with a telphone service so you can diagnose yourself and be told to go to your own GP or to Newtown.

Cr Shaw said recent increases in fees at the After Hours Centre seems to be a part of the softening up proceess before closure.

"I have asked Mayor Brash to assist me in advancing this cause by calling a special meeting immediately. The mayor has this power" Cr Shaw said.

The notice of motion reads: That the Council calls an emergency/special meeting to consider how the Council can show leadership regarding: (a) the fight to stop the closure of the Porirua After Hours Medical Centre, (b) the fight against charges being imposed on our residents by the Minister of Health and the Health Board.

ENDS

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