Consultation Starts On Ashburton Health Services

Consultation Starts On Ashburton Health Services

Public consultation has started on the proposed integrated model of care for Ashburton District’s public health services.

The CDHB’s General Manager of Rural Health Services Garth Bateup said submissions were being invited from across the community including health professionals, members of the public and organisations who were interested in health care in the Ashburton area.

‘We want as many people as possible to be able to read the proposal and to give us feedback,’ he said. Consultation would include written feedback as well as meetings with local stakeholders and at least one public meeting.

‘This proposal is designed to improve health services in our area and to improve the links between the different primary care providers in Ashburton District and between primary and secondary care.’

Mr Bateup said it was important to remember that the initiative for the proposal had come about because of the shortage of Resident Medical Officers (RMOs).

‘We must look at doing things differently in Ashburton to make best use of the health professionals in our area and how we can optimise the potential we have particularly now that we have a fully operational Primary Health Organisation (PHO) here as well.’

The consultation period will last for six to seven weeks to enable as many people as possible to comment on the proposal. Information about the proposal is available from Ashburton Hospital or can be obtained from the CDHB website from next week.

ENDS

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