Rangiora Health Hub officially opened

November 24, 2015

Rangiora Health Hub officially opened

The Canterbury Health System has today welcomed Health Minister Dr Jonathan Coleman who officially opened the Rangiora Health Hub.

After almost five years of community consultation, planning and construction, the $7 million purpose-designed facility is already making a big difference in the community.

The Rangiora Health Hub provides high quality maternity services along with beds for people who need time for recuperation or ongoing monitoring in North Canterbury.

Mary Gordon, Acting Canterbury DHB chief executive, says North Canterbury has grown substantially post quakes.

“With more people moving into the area and growing birthing rates in recent years, we needed to respond by ensuring the needs of the population continue to be met now and in the future,” Ms Gordon says.

The Rangiora Health Hub maternity unit opened for business on 28 October and as at 23 November, there have been 17 births in the new unit and 159 year to date. Meals on wheels are also provided for the local community.

“While the initial focus is on maternity care, there are also ‘flexi beds’ which are used for people with a variety of needs – be it a few days recuperating after surgery or recovering after an illness.”

Ms Gordon says she’s “absolutely delighted” with the way the facility has come together.

“The success of this is a direct reflection of extensive community involvement, thoughtful planning and a commitment from our people to make it happen.”

Ms Gordon says the state-of-the-art facilities are set to only enhance the excellent standard of care that’s been provided at Rangiora Hospital for the past 90 years.

It’s planned to eventually expand the Rangiora Health Hub to include a wider range of outpatient and specialist services.

“There will be a two year interim phase before we can transfer part of the Hagley Outpatients building to adjoin the new Health Hub.

“In the meantime the old Rangiora Hospital will continue to house a range of community services.”

Services provided in Rangiora include mental health, rural child adolescent and family services, public health nurses, older persons health offices and outpatient clinics including heart health, respiratory and stroke clinics and private orthopaedic clinics.

“Canterbury DHB is committed to ensuring people have better access to services closer to home.”

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