$3.76m health support for Kaikoura & Marlborough

December 9, 2010

Government announces $3.76m health support for Kaikoura & Marlborough – Media Statement to be attributed to Murray Cleverley, Canterbury DHB Chair:

We’re very pleased to see some additional funding going into Kaikoura and North Canterbury.

We know that it will be a long haul for many people who, now that the dust has settled, are embarking on the recovery process.

Many people have tough decisions to make on their future and we know from experience this next period can prove to be just as stressful as the quakes themselves. Putting in insurance claims, assessing the viability of farms and other businesses, and trying to maintain some sense of normality, when everything about your future is now uncertain can be challenging.

I met with many of our health system staff working in Kaikoura earlier this week and I want to reiterate my thanks to everyone involved – you’re doing an amazing job. We are already seeing increased demand on psychosocial services including counselling and more specialist referrals for adults and children, and we expect this trend will continue.

We will continue to work with the Ministry of Health to monitor the level of need as this package of support is rolled out in North Canterbury.

Additional information:

• Make your general practice team your first port of call for care around the clock

• Anyone who’s feeling anxious or simply wants someone can talk to call the Earthquake Support Line 24/7 0800 777 846.

• You can see the general practice team at Kaikoura Health free of charge make an appointment on 03 319 3500.

• And if you’re in Hurunui, talk to your general practice team many appointments will be free of charge.

• Remember you can call your general practice 24/7 – after hours your call will be answered by a nurse who can provide free advice on what to go and where to go if you need to be seen.

ENDS

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