Chance to have say on hospital

A meeting to discuss Kaikoura's new health facility will be held on Monday and the community group behind a recent petition is keen to get as many people there as possible.

Helen Morton, who instigated the petition which raised close to 1000 signatures in November, says she does not care what opinions people have as long as they come along to the meeting.

"There are other options, and that's what we want people to realise. We need the community's input, for people to come and listen and have their say."

Joe van Rooyen, who is also concerned with the health facility, says since the petition he has met with a number of people, including Kaikoura mayor Kevin Heays, Canterbury District Health Board project manager Felicity Woodham and chief executive officer David Meates.

"Nothing is yet decided; that's what we want people to realise. People think it's a done deal but it's not. This is just the start of the process."

Mr van Rooyen says the decision will not be made at the meeting either – that is still a long way off and will take further investigation and consultation, which is why it is so important for people to have input now.

The pair hope to set up a group to represent the community which will allow residents' voices to be heard and to go through different proposals after next week's meeting.

"This new complex is for the whole community," says Mr van Rooyen. "There is the potential for everyone to work together. If everyone has some input we can get a first class facility."

He points out that the idea of an integrated health facility will be the first of its kind, therefore it is imperative that it is done right.

Mrs Morton says it is also important to remember the facilities will be for the next 100 years. With the isolation of Kaikoura's geography, it will be important to bear that in mind when it comes to planning both building and services.

The meeting, is at the Memorial Hall from 6-8pm next Monday, March 15.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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