Horowhenua Health Beds and Budget 2010
Great news last week that the Horowhenua Health Centre will be retaining all 24 beds at the current level of service.
I’m pleased that MidCentral DHB have listened to the concerns raised by myself and the community over this issue. I spoke at a large public meeting in Levin last week and told MidCentral their plan was not acceptable.
Many people I have spoken to were concerned and confused about any changes to the beds, and angry at services being downgraded. I know from visiting the Health Centre that these beds are nearly always full, and we need them in our community for the elderly and the general public.
Removing these beds would have been like removing the engine from a car, and downgrading them would have been like using a smaller engine.
It is good news that the Horowhenua Health Centre will work towards becoming an Integrated Family Health Centre which could be a one-stop shop for local health services.
I’m hopeful that more doctors may choose to locate at the Health Centre in the near future which will help it realise its full potential.
The Government has increased the MidCentral District Health Board's funding by around $13 million in this year's Budget which will help them in their challenge to balance the books. Capital Coast DHB received an extra $24 million in funding.
In total, the 2010 Budget allocated an extra $2.1 billion for healthcare over the next four years. This is important for the Otaki electorate because we have a large elderly population (16,000 people over 65) who rely heavily on our public health system.
That’s one reason why in Kapiti the Urgent Community Care Pilot has been a huge success. Patients who dial 111 are assessed and can be treated by paramedics in their home - reducing ambulance trips to Wellington hospital by over half so far.
Next week I’ll talk more in more detail about the Budget and what it means for our community, particularly for retired people. Tax and GST changes mean a boost for Superannuitants of around $11 a week per couple, or $560 per year.
In the meantime you can view the tax cut calculator at my website www.nathanguy.co.nz.