Wataki residents can now get a health warrant of fitness from Oamaru Hospital, instead of going out of town and probably paying more.
Waitaki District Health Services, which owns and operates the hospital on behalf of the community, has added the private service for people wanting the reassurance of a health check and assessment by a medical specialist.
Hospital manager Robert Gonzales said the initiative was to provide additional health services locally, and revenue to help maintain the hospital and its services in an increasingly difficult funding environment.
For patients, many medical conditions were preventable if they took action earlier.
The basic service, which would cost $600, included, but was not restricted to, a general assessment by a medical specialist, blood tests for cholesterol level, renal function, liver function, full blood count and blood sugar level, cardiovascular risk assessment, chest X-ray, spirometry, exercise test and prostrate screening for a male client over the age of 50 years.
Other extras included an echocardiogram ($400) and CT colonography ($640).
Some patients' health insurance may cover part of the cost.
At present, Waitaki patients accessed similar private services out of town and at a much higher cost - Mr Gonzales understood up to $900.
Patients wanting to use the service can either be referred by their doctor or other health professionals, or make their own booking by contacting the Oamaru Hospital.
The specialist will provide a written report for the patient, which they can give to their doctor, along with all test results.
