A new press release today from the National MPs suggests they have listened to us and abandoned the plan for a shotgun marriage with Dunedin.

South Canterbury’s MPs James Meager and Miles Anderson have welcomed Health NZ's decision not to proceed with a proposed merger of South Canterbury's clinical leadership with Southern DHB, describing it as a victory for local healthcare delivery. The MPs, representing the Rangitata and Waitaki electorates, had advocated against the proposed changes, arguing they would have risked disrupting South Canterbury's high-performing healthcare services. "This is absolutely the right decision for Timaru and South Canterbury," said MP for Rangitata James Meager.

So we must rename tomorrow's gathering the ‘CELEBRATION’. Our community’s voice was heard.

Peter Doran and Nigel Bowen will still be here to share their thoughts on National’s new press release and offer any cautions about how things might unfold, despite this positive proclamation. There are concerns in the fine print. While we appreciate the strong leadership of our MPs, the Mayor, and the backing of the community, we must remain professionally and clinically vigilant.