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Taumarunui Hospital's $60,000 kitchen reopened
Taumarunui Hospital's $60,000 kitchen reopened
Taumarunui kaumatua Harry Kereopa was told 15 years ago he was going to die but thanks to the surgical skills of Waikato Hospital cardiologist Clyde Wade, he is still alive and kicking.
So when Kereopa caught up with Dr Wade yesterday at the re-opening of the Taumarunui Hospital kitchen, he was quick to pay tribute to the man he credits with saving his life. Dr Wade, also a Waikato DHB board member, was at the hospital for the monthly board meeting, the reopening of the $60,000 kitchen and to acknowledge 40 years services by kitchen assistant Joy Savage.
Kereopa said the money spent at Taumarunui Hospital was a sign that the community and the board were working together. "Success is just around the corner for this hospital," he said.
Ruapehu mayor Sue Morris thanked the board for making the investment in Taumarunui.
"These are not easy decisions to make in these times," she said.
"This hospital has wonderful staff. We hope this hospital will be here for hundreds of years."
Board chair Graeme Milne said the board visits its rural hospitals on a two yearly circuit.
"I hear the challenge from this community to keep more than adequate facilities.
"While models of care and models of health will evolve and change, the challenge for us as a board is to provide a suitable and modern first world health system in Taumarunui."
Mrs Savage started at Taumarunui Hospital in 1971 and it was she who cut the ribbon to reopen the facility.
Check out our media releases on www.waikatodhb.health.nz/news or view the pictures at http://www.waikatodhb.govt.nz/photogallery.aspx?category=3906
ENDS
Waikato District Health Board
Healthy People. Excellent Care
Waikato District Health Board (DHB) employs over 6500 people and plans, funds and provides hospital and health services to more than 391,770 people in a region covering eight per cent of New Zealand.
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