Waiouru health care discussed

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 298, 4 August 1989, Page 7

Waiouru health care discussed

by

Philippa

French

Just over twenty Waiouru residents attended the public meeting with the Wanganui Area Health Board last Monday, to discuss the future of Waiouru's health care.

The object of the meeting, said board representative Margot Mains was to 'outline what rural health centres are or could be' and 'what Waiouru residents believe they need to meet their needs in a rural health centre.' She explained that there is no single definition of a 'rural health centre' as they change depending on the needs of the community. For example, given that 96% of Waiouru's population is under 45

years of age the need for geriatric care is minimal. After many questions from Waiouru residents the main concerns expressed were the need for more frequent visits from a paediatrician considering Waiouru has the highest number of children under twelve years in any community in the country. Transport for Waiouru residents to base hospital was a concern after a Waiouru Resource Centre a survey showed 15%

of Waiouru residents don't have cars or can't drive. Another concem was that Waiouru will be represented on the new hospital board (Palmerston North) by only three elected members from the Wanganui, Waimarino and Waiouru area. Margot agreed with 'the meeting tkat there will not be enough weight from the rural sector and has written to the Minister asking for a representative from the Ruapehu District. Although there was only a small tumout for the meeting, there were many ideas and valid statements put forward. John McLeod, the inde-

pendent chairperson, thanked Margot Mains and Bob Davies for attending the meeting. Margot concluded by saying "I share some optimism about the

changes and feel we shall end up with services that are more relevant to the community concerned and a more realistic health service."