The West Otago Health Trust, which oversees the assets of the West Otago Health Centre and Ribbonwood Country Home in Tapanui, acquired an additional hectare of land adjoining the facility recently.
Trust chairman Will Byars said the trust was now seeking ‘‘early input’’ from the community as to how it might best be used.
‘‘We’re a growing business, established by and for, and here on behalf of, the community. We’ve been very lucky to secure this adjoining land thanks to the co-operation of the landowner and support from [the Clutha District] council and others in the community, and now we’d like to hear from people what they believe we should do next to expand the health group’s offering.’’
The group opened its Ribbonwood rest-home in 2014, which has operated since at an average 97% occupancy, leading to a $1.65million extension project completed in 2023.
That brought the facility’s beds from 14 to 19, but they, too, had quickly been filled, Mr Byars said.
‘‘We’re trying not to prejudge what the community might want, but I think it’s fair to say we’re looking at some sort of accommodation. Although what shape that might take is yet to be determined, and will be decided upon in accordance with community wishes.’’
He said a formal consultation process would take place following initial community feedback and discussion.
No construction funding had been secured thus far.
‘‘Again, we’re very lucky here in West Otago that our community is extremely generous in supporting our projects, so we’re confident we’ll be able to address funding for whatever project eventually goes ahead.
‘‘It’s a challenging environment for healthcare at present, with a lot of upheaval in leadership and the health landscape more generally, but we’ll cross whatever bridges we need to as the project evolves.’’
He invited residents to contact trustees, or to visit the facility’s social media pages to provide feedback.
