Mayor disappointed over Board’s indifference

05 February 2008

Mayor disappointed over Board’s indifference

Mayor of Kapiti Coast, Jenny Rowan is still, “disappointed at the indifference the Capital & Coast Health Board has shown to the plight of the people of the Kapiti Coast and Porirua.”

Last Friday (February 1) without prior consultation or warning, she said, the Board announced it was cutting the accident and medical clinic service at Kenepuru between 11pm and 8.00am every night.

“While we’re pleased they’re going to restore the Thursday, Friday and Saturday night service, we won’t be satisfied until we get the full 24 hour, seven days a week service we were promised as recently as August last year,” she said.

She also thanked Wellington Free Ambulance for stationing an ambulance at the clinic on the nights it is closed so there is a back up initial assessment and transport service.

“I’m still seeking an urgent meeting with the Capital & Coast Health Board to get an explanation and assurances that the 24 hour, seven day service promised will be restored.

“It’s the Board’s seeming indifference which is so worrying. It’s just another indication to the Kapiti community of their lack of planning around health services.

“They told us in August 2007 that we would have the 24 hour service and that the range of services would be maintained and improved.

“The underlying issue for Kapiti residents is the convenience and affordability of travel to Kenepuru. Local services are not available after 10.00pm and there are definite affordability issues with the private accident and medical services available in Kapiti.

“Given that the Kapiti Coast is the fastest growing district in Wellington and we have the highest ageing population we urgently require a review of our needs; but that review has to lead to some concrete and lasting results, not just empty promises.

“In the first instance at least we need a public minor injuries unit tied in with the Wellington Free Ambulance service.

“Our population is not that much different from Porirua. Between us we deserve to have a full service that works for our populations and addresses our issues,” Mayor Rowan said.

ENDS

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