Local health board recommended for Wakatipu

A local health trust could be taking over the reins of Lakes District Hospital within four months, if the Wakatipu Health Governance Reference Group’s recommendation goes ahead.

WHGRG chair Graeme Todd today (Wednesday May 4) released the group’s draft proposal for a five member trust to govern public health service provision in the district.

He said public consultation on the draft will be held throughout May, with the final recommendation going to Southern District Health Board’s July 30 meeting.

The WHGRG was set up at the suggestion of the health board and Queenstown Lakes District Council to recommend the governance structure for future provision of public health services in the district, in the wake of SDHB’s controversial proposal for an Integrated Family Health Centre.

Mr Todd says the group believes local governance is essential both for the district to get the health care services it deserves and for the most sustainable delivery of those services.

“It is vital the hard decisions to be made are based on sound information and strategic planning based on the real health needs of our community. We believe this is best done by a well qualified local board.”

If endorsed by QLDC at its June 28 meeting and accepted by SDHB on July 30, the Wakatipu Community Health Trust could be in place by August 30.

Among its roles would be governance of Lakes District Hospital, strategic planning for the long term provision of public health services in the district, negotiation and liaison with SDHB and ensuring good communication with the community.

The WHGRG recommends it appoint all five trustees of the initial trust. From the next local body elections, two of the five trustees would be elected. The balance would be appointed by an appointment committee comprising the mayor, chair of the WHGRG and chair of the Chamber of Commerce – or their delegates, should there be a conflict of interest.

“This would ensure the trust’s mix of skills, experience and outlook was picked with community, health and business perspectives in mind.”

Mr Todd said the draft proposal would be available for on-line feedback via the Wakatipu Health Trust’s website (www.whtrust.co.nz) or Wakatipu Health Trust @Facebook from tomorrow (Thursday, May 5).

Hard copies of the draft proposal and submission forms will be available at the council office and libraries.

Feedback will also be gained through meetings with hospital staff and GPs and the public, Mr Todd said.

“We look forward to hearing from anyone who might have a suggestion to improve our proposal before we finalise it,” he said. “And even more so, we look forward to seeing the future of health services in the Wakatipu being in strong, capable and wise Wakatipu hands”

For further information, contact Graeme Todd, ph 441 2743 or 0274 330 457

(Members of the WHGRG are local lawyer Graeme Todd, Wakatipu Health Trust members Maria Cole and John Hillock, QLDC councillors Cath Gilmour and Russell Mawhinney and local businessman Kevin Peterson.)