HBDHB seeking feedback on elective surgery

15 November 2007

HBDHB seeking feedback on elective surgery tender proposal

Hawke’s Bay District Health Board has access to additional funding to provide elective services, including elective (planned) surgery.

“This is great news for Hawke’s Bay people,” says chief operating officer, Warrick Frater. “It means more people will be able to receive treatment sooner, however, due to limited theatre capacity and staffing resources in Hawke’s Bay we are planning to run a tender process open to all hospitals in the central region to provide some of this additional surgery.”

The central region includes Hawke’s Bay, Hutt Valley, Palmerston North, Wairarapa, Wanganui and Wellington.

“While we don’t know who will respond to this tender, or who will be successful, it is possible that one or more providers may be selected who aren’t based in Hawke’s Bay. This consultation process is designed to give Hawke’s Bay people an opportunity to tell us what they think about this proposal.

“Details about how care could be provided at another hospital in the central region are outlined in a consultation document. It also provides information about how the DHB could arrange and pay for transport and accommodation. It discusses pre-surgery assessments and post-surgery care as well as arrangements for support people.

“If HBDHB opts for a proposal from one or more of the out-of-town hospitals, people will always have a choice about where they have their surgery. We realise travelling won’t suit everyone, however, for many people it would mean they could have their surgery sooner,” Mr Frater said.

The consultation document is available on Hawke’s Bay District Health Board’s website www.hawkesbaydhb.govt.nz or by phoning Karalyn van Deursen (06) 873 2150

Hawke’s Bay people have until 5pm on Monday 3 December to tell us what they think.

ENDS

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