Wellington Hospital Consultation Goes To Regions

Wellington Public Hospital Consultation Goes Out To The Regions

Presentations on the new Wellington public hospital will be made to Wellington's outlying regions next week.

People from Wanganui Palmerston North, Napier, Masterton, Blenheim and Nelson will get a chance to see what the new Wellington public hospital discussion document involves and how they can have a say.

There will also be an opportunity to discuss the proposal with members of a technical advisory group which was formed to oversee the submissions process, says Ministry of Health's medical chief advisor, Dr Colin Feek.

"Over the last week we have held a series of meetings to discuss the new Wellington public hospital with the Wellington community. Hundreds of people got involved and put their opinions forward which is exactly what this consultation process is about.

"Now, we want to take that process further afield to those regions that should have a say on the hospital."

People can make a contribution to the new hospital by making a written submission.

The New Wellington Public Hospital: Discussion Document lists and explains factors for the public to consider, weight and make submissions on.

Dr Feek says these presentations are just one part of the Ministry of Health's consultation over the new hospital, which includes public meetings, focus groups and individual interviews.

"Making decisions about hospital facilities is complex and needs to incorporate numerous factors like demographics, technology change, requirements governing clinical quality, access, site considerations and relationships with other services.

"Public submissions will be one element of the information considered in the decision-making process. These submissions will help Government make the best decision about where the hospital should be, how big it should be and what services it should deliver."

People have until August 9 to express their views about a new hospital for the region.

The New Wellington Public Hospital Discussion Document is available on the Ministry of Health Web site: http://www.moh.govt.nz/wgtnhospital.html, or phone 0800 942 266 to order a copy.

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