DHB gets clear message on Horowhenua beds
Otaki MP Nathan Guy says he is pleased with the outcome of a meeting last Thursday with MidCentral DHB Chief Executive Murray Georgel and the Health and Transport sub committee of the Horowhenua District Council.
“I told the meeting I’m dead against any removal of these beds. The DHB got a clear message that we need these beds to remain in our community.
“The DHB told the meeting it is looking at how these 24 beds are serviced, rather than removed, which will be a relief to the whole community.
“I have always said removing these beds would be like ripping the engine out of a car. Instead the DHB may need to ‘fine-tune’ how the engine performs.
“One option available is to achieve the original Business Case from 2004 which promised a blend of 12 local beds and 12 specialist elderly beds. This may offer some savings for the DHB while still allowing locals and elderly to be referred to these beds.
“GP’s need to be encouraged to move to the health centre because I believe it will become an integrated family health centre and be the hub for all local health services.
“Last year I fought with MidCentral DHB and won to get the mobile surgical bus back doing operations in our community. It is calling regularly at the Health Centre, and will carry out an estimated 90 operations this year.
“MidCentral received an extra $26 million in funding from the Government last year, one of the biggest increases in the country, but the Board still has a big challenge. I will continue to fight for decent health services in our community,” said Mr Guy.