DHBs to reinforce existing healthcare partnership in Ōtaki

DHBs to reinforce existing healthcare partnership in Ōtaki community

MidCentral District Health Board has reaffirmed its close working partnership with the neighbouring Capital & Coast District Health Board in Ōtaki.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be developed between the two DHBs to solidify the existing working relationship and clarify health service arrangements across the Ōtaki area, which is within the MidCentral region but borders Capital & Coast.

MidCentral Chief Executive Kathryn Cook and General Manager, Strategy, Planning and Performance Craig Johnston met with Capital & Coast Interim Chief Executive Julie Patterson and Director, Strategy, Innovation and Performance Rachel Haggerty late last year to discuss health services and issues across the DHBs.

Ms Cook said the meeting was a positive step forward for the region.

“The Memorandum of Understanding will build upon the existing, positive relationship MidCentral has with Capital & Coast District Health Board.”

“We will now be working even more closely with Capital & Coast to ensure people in Ōtaki get the healthcare they need to live healthy lives in a well community.”

It was agreed that the original arrangement, which allows Ōtaki residents to access a range of Capital & Coast services, would continue, with the MoU intended to offer greater visibility of the exisiting partnership and provide more confidence to people living in the Ōtaki community.

Capital & Coast committed to ensuring referrals from Ōtaki residents would not be excluded by any of its services on the basis of their address.

In mental health, MidCentral is responsible for all services to the Ōtaki community, but it was agreed that both DHBs would investigate opportunities in mental health services where they could work together, particularly in relationship to crisis care.

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