Proposal For Integrating Home & Community Services

Southland District Health Board
P O Box 828
INVERCARGILL

Wednesday, 10 November 2004

Proposal For Integrating Home And Community Services In Southland

Southland District Health Board (SDHB) is undertaking consultation on a new approach to integrating community, primary and specialist home based support1 services in Southland. The proposal builds on several earlier reviews as well as changes that have already been made to improve SDHB’s processes for assessing needs and coordinating services for older people and adults with chronic medical illness or palliative care needs.

The proposal, which includes a one point of entry for home and community services regardless of diagnosis and no matter what service the patient requires, was recently signed off by the Board for consultation. SDHB is now welcoming feedback on the new approach from the Southland community.

SDHB CEO Dr Gershu Paul said he is excited at the benefits this proposal will bring to the commmunity. “The proposal is about facilitating the linkages between services to ensure that people have access to services that are responsive to their needs. People will be able to get the right service, from the right provider at the right time”

“The proposal is a reconfiguration of services already in place which will improve service delivery and remove barriers to integration. We will be creating greater efficiencies with significant benefits for the patient”

The document is available online by accessing the SDHB website at www.southlandhealth.co.nz and copies are also being sent to key stakeholders and those on the SDHB consultation register. If people wish to receive a hard copy of the document or in an alternate format please contact Leanne Illingworth, Policy Analyst (03) 214 7224 or email leanne.illingworth@sdhb.govt.nz People can also make a telephone submission and should phone Leanne Illingworth so she can arrange a suitable time.

Consultation will close at 5pm, Friday 3 December 2004.

ENDS

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