Community health centre plans released to the public
This week’s health integration group meeting selected the existing community hospital site as its preferred option, based on current information, the group’s chair John Peters said today.
The group, representing interests associated with the community hospital, medical centre and Joan Whiting Rest Home, is exploring the feasibility of establishing an integrated health facility in or near Takaka.
Mr Peters, also chief executive of Nelson Marlborough District Health Board, said it was not a final decision, but one that the group had made to help give the community an indication of its current thinking.
“The group decided that, based on the information we currently have, the hospital site makes the most sense. It involves fewer costs associated with land purchase and development, and it would make good use of an existing facility that can be readily adapted.
“There are as yet undefined costs associated with both the Rototai Road and Park Avenue sites which could add anywhere from $1 to $3 million to the price of the project compared to the hospital site.
“At this stage we are recommending to the community that we go with an option that gives us more certainty, and enables us to make a quicker start to the project.”
Mr Peters said the decision gives some guidance to the community as to the group’s thinking, based on the work it has done over the past 18 months.
“However it is not set in stone - we want to know what the community thinks.
“As we go out to consult with the community, the group felt it was important to provide an indication of our current thinking regarding preferred site. This could change as a result of further investigation, public feedback etc.”
Mr Peters also said the group this week reiterated its commitment to continuing to provide a doctor’s surgery at Collingwood. “That is a given. We are still exploring various options open to us, but it will continue in its current location until we determine where it will be sited.”
The recommendation coincides with this week’s launch of community consultation.
In this week’s issue of The GB Weekly, the integration group has presented information backgrounding the project. See pages 10 and 11.
The group will also be hosting Open Day events in Takaka and Collingwood on December 2 and 3, which will give the public the chance to talk to members of the health group, and to view concept drawings of the proposed facility.
A website will be launched soon with information about the project.
