Ohakune surgery expands, includes X-ray

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 561, 8 November 1994, Page 3

Ohakune surgery expands, includes X-ray

Ohakune' s 86-year-old doctor's practice has taken a leap forward with the investment by Dr & Mrs Perera in a new surgery and new services to the town. A group of friends from the town gathered on Sunday to bless the new building in Goldfinch Street which more than doubles the space available for health services in the town. The extensions include a large, sunny reception area and waiting room, a receptionist's office, surgery, Xray room and dark room, all of which are spacious. The entrance includes a wheelchair ramp as well as access through wide-opening doors for ambulance patients, direct from the am-

bulance. The old waiting room now becomes an ante-natal room, with Pam Kennedy providing the service to expectant mothers. Dr Perera said the X-ray machine was one of the best and newest available for such a practice and was capable of carrying out almost all work. He said he would still send patients to Wanganui where necessary for X-ray s , especially when a patient would need full hospital care. "Many times though, a patient would be sent to Wanganui for an X-ray on the weekend for example, to be told to return on Monday."

He said with their new equipment X-rays could be processed in as little as three minutes, meaning he could prescribe treatment quickly and on the spot. Dr Perera' s radiographer, Tess Fitzwater from Waiouru, has so far been working up to seven days a week, so demand for the service is there. Longevity Ohakune' s oldest residents, Mr & Mrs Mischewski, were the guests of honour at the blessing, which was performed by Father Lloyd, with help from Matiu Mareikura and other representatives of Maungarongo Marae, friends and col-

leagues. Dr Perera thanked all present, especially Miss Goldfinch, his first practice nurse Mrs Whale, Father Lloyd, Matiu Mareikura and the women from the marae. He also thanked Robert Horne of Horne Brothers and builders Barry and Mr Williams, for their work in constructing the building. He said Mr Horne had helped a lot with the design of various features. He also thanked Jessie Seaman for her help with regard to the X-ray facility. Among other speakers was Miss Goldfinch who congratulated Dr and Mrs Perera for all they have done for the town. "I pay tribute to Mrs

Perera for, while it is the spirit of a man that makes him great, it is the support of a good woman that makes it possible." She said the new surgery added a "new dimension to Goldfinch Street." Mr Mischewski, 95, said he had seen many doctors come and go and that he hoped he would not see Dr Perera leave. Mr Mareikura said the surgery was a step forward

to the future, in a time of great changes in health care. Bruce Wilde, exOhakune pharmacist, spoke of Dr Perera' s dedication to the people of the area, saying he does not have the back-up services that most town and city doctors enjoy. "You are perpetually out on a limb, you've got to have a feel for all kinds of health services and you've got to make decisions very

few other doctors have to make.," he said. Dr Perera said the intention in developing the surgery was to help the people of the town in their well being. "When I first came to Ohakune you didn't have a doctor although the surgery has been here since 1906 or 1908," said Dr Perera. "I hope there will be many more doctors after my term of practice."