55,000-plus sign neurosurgery petition

More than 55,000 people have now asked Parliament to support the retention of neurosurgery in Dunedin.

Invercargill MP Eric Roy tabled five separate petitions with a total of 55,741 signatures with Parliament yesterday.

More than 45,000 signatures were collected in a 10-day campaign run by The Southland Times and the Otago Daily Times, and another four petitions sent in separately were signed by slightly more than 10,000 people.

"This is a pretty strong result, absolutely stunning result," Mr Roy said.

The petition was overshadowed in Parliament yesterday by the Christchurch earthquake and the normal question time was cancelled. This meant there was no discussion about the petition but Mr Roy said it would be raised during the next available question time.

The submission had to be presented to the House of Representatives by a Member of Parliament and it would be read out by the Speaker.

Mr Roy's submission asks that the House of Representatives accept the petition calling for the retention of neurosurgery in Dunedin and for it to support that demand.

It would then go to the Health Select Committee for further consideration.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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