Consultation on after-hours GP-level services

3 February 2005

District-wide consultation on after-hours GP-level services

Capital & Coast DHB is launching a district-wide consultation (Kapiti, Porirua and Wellington), to gain public input on the future shape and fee-structure for GP type / primary care after-hour services.

Hospital-level and emergency services will remain free of charge in all cases.

However the Board wants to ensure that there is consistency across the district in terms of after-hours GP-level services, and wants the level of fees to be lower than that currently charged for overnight services by privately-run services.

The public’s views are being sought on the type of service that should be provided in Wellington, following the overnight closure of the privately-run GP after-hours clinic.

The consultation will also discuss the appropriate level of part-charges for patients using after-hours GP type / primary care services across the district.

The consultation period begins on 14 February, with written submissions due by 29 March, and with the ability for oral submissions to also be heard. Public meetings are planned for the Kapiti Coast, Porirua and Wellington. Focus groups will also be developed.

Details of the two options C&C DHB proposes for reducing the cost of after-hours services can be found in the consultation document, which will be posted next week on C&C DHB’s website www.ccdhb.org.nz under Public Consultation.

If you would like to know more, or want a copy of the consultation document mailed to you as soon as it available, please contact C&C DHB’s community consultation advisor Peri Te Wao (peri.tewao@ccdhb.org.nz)

ENDS

© Scoop Media