Taumarunui proposes takeover

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 14, 4 September 1984, Page 13

Taumarunui proposes takeover

A meeting last Tuesday night involving the Taumarunui Hospital Board and local councils, failed to come to any decision concerning the possible creation of an area health board bringing Waimarino Hospital under Taumarunui^ jurisdiction. Representatiaves from the Waiouru Army Camp, local Wanganui Hospital Board members, Garrick Workman and Bill Taylor, mayors of Raetihi and Ohakune respectively, along with councillors from both boroughs and Waimarino County Council, heard from the Taumarunui representatives that 54% of patients treated by the Taumarunui Hospital Board come from outside their boundary area.

The primary concern expressed by local representatives at the meeting was that with a lower population base in the proposed new area, facilities at Waimarino Hospital may be in danger of being downgraded. It was felt that the Taumarunui Hospital Board should gather more detailed facts and figures and should more thoroughly investigate the issue before reporting back. On Friday morning, the chairman of Taumarunui Hospital Board, Ron Powell, met informally with Betty Bourke, Wanganui Hospital Board's Chairman and members of both boards, at the Waimarino County Council's meeting room. According to Mrs Bourke,

"It was extremely interesting and friendly discussion in which we discussed strategies, trying to gaze into the future, whilst floating ideas amongst ourselves." "No immediate decisions were made but at least we have met," she added. Thus it appears that there is still a great deal more work to do before any further action is taken by either Board.