The round of public meetings over the new hospital for the greater Wellington region has provided the Ministry of Health with useful information.

Ministry of Health Chief Medical Advisor Dr Colin Feek said most public meetings and consultation with focus groups had finished, although the public still had until August 9 to make written submissions.

"The meetings have been valuable and the issues raised in them will be considered along with the written submissions. I would like to thank everyone who attended them for their contribution."

Topics covered included the hospital's size, location, relevance of associated services and the public's health needs.

At least 600 people attended the 12 meetings, held in Wellington, Porirua, Kapiti, Hutt Valley, Palmerston North, Wanganui, Napier, Masterton, Nelson and Blenheim. And a further 44 people took part in focus groups.

The Ministry has distributed over 5000 copies of the discussion document. It has received 50 submissions and is expecting significantly more before August 9.

"We encourage interested people to have their say through making a submission," Dr Feek said.

The analysis of submissions is expected to be completed by early September when a decision will be made.

ENDS

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