Health debate

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 605, 26 September 1995, Page 4

Health debate

Confidence in the Central Regional Health Authority to treat the Waimarino community fairly with regard to the provision of health services is weakened when their publicity staff seem to be unsure of the facilities we have, and even where we are. An early advertisement from the CRHA was headed 'Health Services for Raetihi', when the issue involves the whole of the Waimarino. They have also referred to the Raetihi Hospital. It has never been the Raetihi Hospital, and has not even been a hospital, but a health centre, in recent years. And now it is closed down and there is the Waimarino Health Centre. The latest press release refers to a document that explains the future options for services at the Waimarino Health Centre. They explain that it will be "mailed to all householders in the Southern Rangitikei area". We feel that with these kinds of misconceptions within their ranks, it is all the more important that the Waimarino community make absolutely sure what it is that they need and want in the way of health services, including i n-patient services which are currently under discussion. This issue is too important to us to leave to folk in Wellington offices who don't even appear to know exactly where we are; let alone what we' ve got and what we need. We urge you to keep an eye out for the mailer, and watch for meeting dates and times.