South Island Neurosurgical Services

South Island Neurosurgical Services

An expert panel will be assembled to help determine the future configuration of neurosurgical services in the South Island.

All South Island District Health Boards have agreed the needs of their regions are best met by a single neurosurgical service – the next step in the process is deciding the inpatient and outpatient configuration of the service and how to manage the transition.

The five DHBs involved have been unable to reach agreement and have referred this matter to me. I am putting together a team to work with them which will include independent neurosurgical expertise and an independent chair.

My decision will be based on the panel’s recommendations and I hope to have it convened within four weeks – the same people will oversee the implementation of the new service configuration.

Services will continue to be provided from both Christchurch and Dunedin hospitals in the meantime, however I have requested that no permanent appointments are made to the service pending decisions on future configuration.

This kind of careful deliberation will always be needed with highly specialised services, with the most important consideration being that people can have confidence that a safe, effective and sustainable service will be available when they need it.

This issue relates only to the South Island – neurosurgical services in the North Island which are provided through Auckland, Hamilton and Wellington are not included within the scope of this project.

A copy of the letter referring the matter to me is available on the Ministry website along with a report on South Island Neurosurgical services. click here

ENDS

© Scoop Media