NHB to Engage With Queenstown Community

May 31 2011

The National Health Board (NHB) has been asked to work with the Queenstown community to develop accelerated planning for future health care services which best fit the area’s needs.

The Southern DHB has invited the NHB to lead this process as it believes an independent approach will ensure public confidence and help reach a consensus view by building on the work undertaken during the past two years.

“The community wants tangible outcomes and has been frustrated by the process to date,” NHB Deputy National Director Michael Hundleby said.

A special panel will hold a series of community and health sector meetings and workshops, and make a recommendation on the best structure for primary and secondary health services for the area by the end of July. The Southern DHB will consider the recommendation at its August board meeting and implementation could begin in September, if approved.

“Considerable effort has already gone into the Southern DHB engagement process and this community and stakeholder feedback will be incorporated into the panel’s decision making.

“The community needs to know the plans and timelines for the future of Lakes Hospital and the area’s health services. We recognise there is great uncertainty presently and we want to resolve this.

“We want to quickly end concerns around the shape of future health services in the Wakatipu area. We want to assure the community of financially viable, affordable and secure health services. And we want to deliver a firm timeline which recognises the opportunity for a solution for Queenstown,” he said.

The special panel will be led by the immediate past Chair of the NZ Medical Association, Dr Peter Foley. The other two members are well-known consumer advocate David Russell and an emergency physician (yet to be appointed).

“Our intention is to run a process which will see community stakeholders involved in the planning and seek input on the best way for a plan to be implemented.

“We have an open mind as to the best way to maximise and structure community and hospital services in Queenstown and we want the decision on what will work best to come from the community. We want to build on community feedback and engagement to date, to help facilitate agreement on the best way forward.”

The panel will work to seek a consensus on the most appropriate structure through community meetings and workshops. If the Panel is unable to facilitate a consensus view then it will make a recommendation in the same way the Neurosurgery Panel did with the South Island Neurosurgery Service.

ENDS

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