The government yesterday announced funding boosts to health services in Wānaka and Central Otago during a ceremonial blessing of Wānaka’s long-awaited first primary birthing unit.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Health Minister Shane Reti officially opened Rākai Kahukura after a stirring welcome from Kai Tahu representatives.
Dr Reti also confirmed construction would start at Clyde’s birthing unit at Dunstan Hospital early next year, and the unit would open in 2026.
"This is an interim solution while Health New Zealand continues to look at alternate models of care that can be provided in the long term across regions like this," Dr Reti said of Wānaka’s new after-hours arrangements.
Health Action Wānaka (HAW) spokeswoman Monique Mayze said the advocacy group was "encouraged" by Dr Reti’s announcements, but stressed the after-hours medical service was only a short-term solution to a long-term problem.
"We will continue to advocate for a sustainable after-hours service, such as a publicly funded emergency department that ... reflects the needs of our rapidly growing population and high visitor numbers," Mrs Mayze said.
Wānaka’s birthing unit was approved more than four years ago, after lengthy lobbying by residents, but has been delayed by consenting issues.
Dr Reti yesterday also confirmed an $11million combined investment in the Wānaka and Clyde birthing units.
Wānaka’s unit will be celebrated at an open day on July 24 and the doors will open on July 29.
Wānaka midwife Morgan Weathington said she was "really looking forward to celebrating" at the open day and acknowledging the community that had made it happen.
