Resource consent next step for integrated health project
Applying for resource consent to build an integrated family health centre at the Golden Bay Community Hospital is the next focus for the Interim Management Group (IMG).
The IMG has decided it is ready to apply to the TDC for resource consent approval to build extensions to the hospital to provide primary care and rest home facilities that will form the integrated family health centre. The application should be filed by the end of November.
“Reaching the stage of applying for a resource consent is a big step forward on the “when and how” steps to achieving an integrated family health centre for Golden Bay,” said IMG chair John Peters.
Another key move is confirmation by the local St John group to locate its base on the hospital site, which will involve partial integration of its facilities.
The IMG is developing a project plan to map out the steps required to build the centre within 18 months. The group’s planning focus over recent months has been gaining various legal approvals and agreements and identifying finance and funding sources.
The Government’s agreement to provide funding to keep Joan Whiting Rest Home open was based on the commitment to develop the new facility.
Senior Ministry of Health official Devon Diggle, who attended the latest IMG meeting, said both the Health Minister Tony Ryall and the Ministry were right behind the efforts to integrate health services in Golden Bay.
Mr Ryall has written to the Nelson Marlborough District Health Board saying he is committed to ensuring the necessary Government support is provided to develop an integrated family health centre here.
Government support will include providing expertise in health planning, health architecture, IT planning, models of care, and health workforce.
The Ministry of Health has nominated Mr Diggle (principal technical specialist, assets and capital) as the Government liaison person. Mr Diggle has followed Golden Bay’s integration work over the past few years and has had contact with a number of the IMG members.
Mr Diggle said he expected Golden Bay would have one of the country’s first integrated family health centres.
“It’s the way of the future and Golden Bay is ahead of the rest of New Zealand in its vision for providing integrated health services. The Government is very encouraged by where the IMG has got to and committed to providing tangible support and resources.”
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