Nupe Has Facts Wrong Re Queen Mary Hospital

Nupe Has Facts Wrong Re Queen Mary Hospital

The National Union of Public Employees (NUPE) has its facts completely wrong with respect to the proposed sale of the land and buildings at the former Queen Mary hospital site.

Canterbury District Health Board Chief Executive Jean O’Callaghan said today it was a pity NUPE had not checked its facts before making a public statement on the issue.

‘Queen Mary hospital has not been operating as a public hospital facility for many years. Part of the building is presently being used by the Hanmer Clinic, a privately operated drug and rehabilitation facility for fee paying people. The Canterbury District Health Board has announced its intention to dispose of its surplus land and the money that this generates will be put into hospital facilities not carparking as stated by NUPE,’ Mrs O’Callaghan said.

‘NUPE’s claim that the hospital site should stay in public ownership in case long term rehabilitation for addictions for drug and drugs is again seen as necessary is an indication that the Union has no knowledge of the facts. The proposed sale of the land will not necessarily impact on the provision of the existing service as the Hanmer Clinic has a lease which will continue irrespective of ownership.’

‘We have invited submissions from the residents of Hanmer and other interest groups and we will hold a public meeting in Hanmer following collation of the submissions for anyone wanting to speak to their submission. A report will then be prepared for the CDHB Board and the final decision to sell the land will be made by the Minister of Health.’

‘At a public meeting organised by the local community board on Friday evening, residents were overwhelmingly in favour of the district council working with the present hospital lessee, the Hanmer Clinic, to find ways of purchasing the site,’ Mrs O’Callaghan said.

‘If NUPE is interested, it can make a submission on the proposed sale.’

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