Southern DHB Stands by Authenticity of Review

Southern DHB Stands by Authenticity of Review

Brian Rousseau, CEO of Southern DHB, has confirmed that a desktop review of Emergency Department attendances at Lakes District Hospital did take place and found that the majority of patients could have been treated by a GP.

The findings of the review are only one of many factors that have influenced the DHB’s proposal to establish an Integrated Family Health Centre in Wakatipu, with sustainable hospital services and improved access to both community and hospital services.

Brian Rousseau says, “The desktop review was undertaken by former Chief Medical Officer of Southland, Dr Pim Allen, taking a sample of approximately 300 attendances over three representative months during 2007/08. Total ED attendances in 2007/08 were 4879. Dr Allen stands by her findings which were presented as data gathered and showed that approximately 75% of patients attending the Lakes District Hospital could have been seen by a GP.”

“The DHB is committed to working with the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS) and other unions and clinical staff to ensure the proposal provides what the community have already indicated they want, namely an Integrated Family Health Centre. The reality is that primary care is a vital element of our healthcare system and hospitals should be used appropriately for those conditions that cannot be safely cared for in primary care. In smaller centres, having co-location of hospital and community services has definite advantages.”

Southern DHB is holding a public meeting in Queenstown on Wednesday, 6 April at which CEO, Brian Rousseau, will give a presentation about proposed plans for the configuration of an Integrated Family Health Centre and its many benefits for the Wakatipu Community. The presentation will be followed by a question and answer session for the public.

ENDS

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