KCDC Support For Improved Health Services In Kapiti Welcomed

As the only community in New Zealand with more than 55,000 people and the nearest hospital an hour’s drive away (on a good day), Kapiti has long been concerned about access to health services. As the community with the highest proportion of over 65 year olds and rapidly increasing numbers of young families moving to the area, this concern is becoming critical.

At its meeting yesterday, Kapiti Coast District Council (KCDC) took an important step in the journey to bring better health services to the area by adopting Kapiti Health Advisory Group’s (KHAG) recommendation that Council commences discussions with Health New Zealand with the aim of upgrading our current Kapiti Health Centre to become a Polyclinic over time, providing a greater range of health services.

“In 2018 more than 22,000 Kapiti people signed a petition seeking a hospital” said Ian Powell, the author of KHAG’s Compelling Case.

“We recognise the workforce and financial pressures that will mean this is a long time coming but believe a Polyclinic, providing 24/7 urgent care, increased outpatient services, diagnostic and treatment facilities and other health services offers an efficient and cost effective option that will relieve many concerns for us.”

KCDC does not have responsibility for the provision of health services and will not commit rates funding to any action but, says Councillor Martin Halliday, “We are community builders and we have the ability to speak for our community, to advocate for improvements and to bring people together to achieve what is sought.”

With this initiative, Kapiti Coast District Council hopes to lay the groundwork for a future where accessible and locally provided healthcare is no longer a distant hope but a tangible reality. The proposed Polyclinic would provide vital services that minimize the strain on nearby facilities and ensure that Kapiti residents, especially the elderly and growing families, are cared for in their own community.

“There are of course no guarantees this action will succeed” said Ian Powell. “But we believe with the strong support of our Council and the clear and compelling case we have presented, our realistic and practical solution has a good chance of delivering the closer to home care we are seeking.”

Kapiti Health Advisory Group

KHAG is a volunteer community group, with a formal advisory role to the Kapiti Coast District Council, and working towards improved health services in Kapiti.

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