New Zealand leading primary health facility to be built in Hastings

Hastings is set to get a major new primary health centre in 2017. This new centre, which will be one of the largest and most advanced in New Zealand, will offer everything from regular doctors’ visits through to after hour’s emergency care.

This facility will be the result of the intended joining of Totara Health and The Hastings Health Centre to create one of New Zealand’s largest medical practices.

“This is an incredibly exciting development for primary health provision in Hawke’s Bay,” said Hayley Anderson, Chief Executive of The Hastings Health Centre. “This joining of two medical practices and the development of the new primary health facility will create options leading to better health care for Hawke’s Bay people and a better experience for patients.”

The new medical practice will have 40 doctors, 50 nurses, employ 70 other staff and service 38,000 patients. The new primary health centre will be a multi-million dollar investment.

Totara Health Managing Director Howard Dickson said “we will have the scale and ability to invest in our patients, ensuring that their health is at the centre of everything we do. We will have the ability to have everything on-site in world-class facilities while ensuring that patients can continue to see their own doctor or nurse. We plan to deliver an outstanding patient experience”

“This is a great opportunity for everyone. Patients will keep their existing relationship with their doctor in new and better facilities, in a central Hastings location with good parking whilst enjoying enhanced services and facilities at Totara Health’s facility in Flaxmere.”

Ms Anderson added “the new Hastings facility will not be built until 2017 so in the short-term patients will see no difference. They should continue to contact their current medical practice and doctor if they need an appointment.

“We plan to consult widely with interested parties as we develop the design for the site. That includes staff, patients, Iwi, the PHO and DHB and other primary health providers. We are also open to working with other medical practices if they want to be involved.”

ENDS

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