Barbara Stewart MP
Spokesperson for Health

5 September 2012

Roving Paramedics in Porirua A Dumb Idea – NZ First

New Zealand First has called for an end to a “stupid” plan of closing Kenepuru Hospital's overnight accident and medical clinic and replacing it with roving paramedics.

Wellington’s Capital & Coast District Health Board is to consider a proposal from medical advisory group Integrated Care Collaborative (ICC), to close the A&M clinic between 10pm and 8am.

It’s understood Porirua and North Wellington residents in need of medical help would instead be expected to call an ambulance or go to the main hospital in Newtown.

Health spokesperson Barbara Stewart says the proposal is a foolish and short sighted measure to cut health spending in the Porirua Basin.

“This is a highly populated area with many young families. Some of them live in cold houses. Many are Maori and Pacific Island children who have high rates of acute respiratory diseases and meningitis.

“These families cannot wait for paramedics to turn up – they need immediate expert help.”

Mrs Stewart says there are repeated attempts to close the Kenepuru Hospital clinic even though it is desperately needed.

“The public health system in the Porirua area is very important and moves to bring in an inferior system should be abandoned immediately,” says Mrs Stewart.

ENDS

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