Low turn-out for health plan meeting

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 680, 1 April 1997, Page 7

Low turn-out for health plan meeting

A proposal that would see the amalgamation of primary and secondary health care in the greater Wanganui area including the Waimarino, was presented to Waimarino people at a meeting in Raetihi last week. Progressi ve Health Incorporated (PGI) called the meeting, held at St Mary's Church, at 2.00pm Monday 24 March. Only about 15 people attended the meeting, with some contending that the low tum-out was due to the timing of the meeting as it was difficult for the majority in the community to be there. PGI is a private medical group that has joined with Good Health Wanganui to investigate the feasibility of a combined primary and secondary health service. The minister of health, Bill English, has agreed in principle to the proposal, the meeting heard, and has asked that the study and business plan be presented to hirii by 30 April. Dennis Woods, general managerof GHW, andDr Frank

Rawlinson, chairman of PHI, outlined the proposal, stressing the importance of streamlining, combining and better utilising the facilities available in Wanganui and the wider region including Waimarino. Concern was expressed from the floor about possible loss of services and privatisation if the proposal proceeds.