Queenstown Medical Centre (QMC) announced yesterday the facility’s closure would coincide with moving its Remarkables Park clinic into a larger, purpose-built space at the shopping centre in Frankton.
QMC chief executive Ashley Light said with the lease of the Berkshire St facility coming up for renewal, its board had to decide whether the building would suit its needs for another 10 to 15 years.
"Ultimately the decision was we didn’t think it would."
Arrowtown Village Association chairman Nick Fifield said the announcement was a "huge blow" to the township.
"One of those things that makes Arrowtown a unique community is that we’re still a village.
"We have a general store, pharmacy, post office, a medical centre, and these are all elements that give the town heart and keep it a community.
Elderly people, and parents of young children, were likely to be the most affected, Mr Fifield said.
Arrowtown-Kawarau ward Cr Lisa Guy said the township would "really feel the loss" of the facility.
She acknowledged there was pressure on the primary health sector throughout the country to maximise outcomes with limited central government funding available.
"We are seeing the consolidation of health services into hubs, such as the growing precinct in Shotover Country."
The down side was many people would have to travel further to access their doctor, Ms Guy said.
Arrowtown Preschool manager Jane Foster said the closure would "hit a lot of our families hard".
Worsening traffic congestion between Arrowtown and Frankton meant it would take them much longer to access primary care.
Mr Light said the Arrowtown facility no longer met QMC’s requirements for an "exceptional patient experience".
Although the building’s landlord had been "amazing", its age, size, limited parking and rent level were factors in the decision.
All Arrowtown staff would transfer to the expanded clinic, where they would have a better working environment and be able to deliver better patient care.
It would have nine consulting rooms, better parking and improved accessibility for patients.
"Patient care is our top priority, and we believe developing the new, larger medical centre will vastly improve the patient experience and outcomes."
QMC would provide support to its elderly patients in Arrowtown in how to use its digital app for booking appointments, getting prescriptions and messaging clinicians, he said.
