‘‘The future of the region’s hospital services for the next 50 years will shortly be decided by a group of people, none of whom are southern clinicians,’’ he said.
‘‘This new southern region tertiary hospital is vital to the healthcare of over 350,000 people and it has been planned at the right size to meet their needs.
‘‘Any deviation from what was agreed and promised will be met with extreme disfavour.’’
A council spokesperson said well-informed presenters would speak at the rally. The event would also feature local entertainment.
Minister of Health Shane Reti has been invited to attend.
‘‘If he accepts, we undertake that we will listen to him with courtesy and respect,’’ Mr Radich said. ‘‘This is our chance to show the government that southerners are seriously concerned about the future of their hospital.
‘‘We welcome savings that can be made which do not affect clinical services. Equally, we will not accept any reductions that compromise healthcare.’’
The free event will be held on Monday from 6pm-7.30pm at Dunedin Town Hall, and further details will be available on the Save Our Southern Hospital Facebook and Instagram, and at soshospital.nz, in the coming days.
On the night of the rally, Mr Radich will be in China with a Shanghai delegation but will contribute by video.
