After hours healthcare an ongoing concern in North Canterbury
By local democracy reporter David Hill:
A lack of after hours healthcare in North Canterbury is no closer to being resolved.
A promised after hours facility at the Rangiora Health Hub could be delayed again, while no interim plan for after hours healthcare in the region has been forthcoming.
South Link Health Group entered into an agreement with the Ministry of Health in 2021 to build the after hours facility and received a resource consent last year from the Waimakariri District Council.
But the group has yet to apply for a building consent.
Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey, who is now associate health minister, said he was frustrated to hear there was another delay, and called on Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand to provide "clearer communication".
‘‘This is yet another example of this project dragging further out, and all the while the growing community of Waimakariri is left more confused, and without fit-for-purpose health services.
‘‘Let’s be clear, residents in Waimakariri have been promised a facility and have patiently waited for long enough now.’’
With the new Rangiora Medical Centre not expected to open until 2025, Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand advised a public meeting in Rangiora in April it had asked local GPs to come up with an interim plan.
But seven months on, Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury group manager, office of the regional wayfinder, Greg Hamilton said "conversations are continuing’’.
‘‘We are continuing to work with the key parties involved in the new practice and Hato Hone St John, exploring options for after-hours provision locally that could be operational before the new facility opens.’’
Waimakariri residents accessing after hours medical services in Christchurch had increased by 17 percent since 2019, Te Whatu Ora advised the April meeting, which had been called by Mr Doocey.
The Ministry of Health entered into an agreement with South Link Health Group in 2021, following a petition calling for after hours healthcare being presented to the former Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) two years earlier.
South Link Health Group, which is a network of 26 medical practises, is responsible for funding and constructing the new facility.
It will include full radiology services (ultrasound, CT and MRI scans), GP services, a pharmacy, and urgent after hours healthcare.
A spokesperson for South Link Health Group said a building consent was ready to be presented and it was seeking tenders by the end of January.
Work on the site is expected to begin in March, with the medical centre on track to open in the first half of 2025.
The spokesperson said staff recruitment continued to be ‘‘a major challenge’’.
■ Limited after hours healthcare is available at Durham Health, Rangiora, and the Amberley Medical Centre over the weekend, and at local pharmacies.
Residents can ring 111 in an emergency, contact their GP to speak to a triage nurse, call Healthline 0800 611116 for free advice from a nurse, or arrange online video consultations with a doctor (for a charge).
The after hours triage service is delivered by Whakarongarou and operates in North Canterbury, with access to a St John paramedic if a face to face assessment is required.
The service has been expanded to service to include Oxford, Amberley and aged care facilities.
A new rural after hours service, Ka Ora Telecare, offers phone or video consultations with a doctor. Go to kaora.co.nz/app/services/sub-services/3.
The Pegasus 24 Hour Surgery in Christchurch is also available.
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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72.9% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16.1% Hmm, maybe?
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11% Yes!
Secure your homes over summer
Police are reminding people to keep their homes secure during the summer months.
Inspector Glenda Barnaby, Christchurch Area Prevention manager, says daytime burglaries are just as common as nightime burglaries.
“Burglaries can be committed at any time of the day, and coming into warmer months there is more opportunity for thieves."
"Although a majority of burglaries involve forced entry through windows and doors, we are starting to see more incidents at insecure premises. Police deal with cases where burglaries are committed in broad daylight, sometimes even while the victim is at home. Good weather means open doors and windows, which makes homes more vulnerable to burglars.”
Inspector Barnaby says there’s a few things people can do to reduce their changes of a burglary being committed.
⚠️ If you’re going outside for gardening, relaxing in the sun, or working in the garage, take a moment to lock your doors and secure your windows first.
⚠️ Do the same at night when you go to bed - keep your doors and windows secure and close your curtains. Fitting window stays means you can get a breeze coming through, while keeping your windows secure.
⚠️ Get to know your neighbours - let them know if you’re going away and look out for one another.”
If you see any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to contact Police.
If you witness or suspect any illegal activity, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report through 105 either online or over the phone, if it is after the fact.
Poll: Pedestrian access is being extended to the Ōtakaro Avon River - good idea?
Pedestrian access from one of Christchurch’s favourite streets is being extended all the way to the Ōtakaro Avon River. This new 12m-wide pathway will give you a direct, easy route from the street to the river promenade ... perfect for a stroll, a coffee run, or just soaking up the riverside vibes.
We want to know: In your view, what makes a city people-friendly?
What else should our urban areas be doing to support better community connections?
Curious about the full plans? You can check them out here.
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91% Yes
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9% No
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