Who is impacted?

The people of Timaru and the surrounding regions are directly affected by the proposed changes  to the management of our local hospital services. The proposal is that  senior executive positions such as the CEO, Chief Medical Officer, and Chief Nursing Officer are transferred to the Dunedin health authorities. South Canterbury residents risk losing access to vital, locally-managed healthcare. This will result in longer wait times, and the loss  of the excellent local medical and surgical care that our community relies on daily.

What is at stake?

If local control of health resources is lost, there is a real danger that they will be reallocated to Dunedin, leaving Timaru residents abandoned. Without locally managed leadership, decisions about Timaru's healthcare services are at risk of being overlooked in favour of  Dunedin’s needs. This would lead to the erosion of prompt, high-quality healthcare in our area, forcing patients to travel long distances  and jeopardizing timely medical and surgical interventions.

Why is now the time to act?

 The time for public input is quickly running out. If these changes are implemented , they will become permanent and irreversible. Timaru Hospital’s future depends on the voices of our community being heard NOW.  We must act immediately to show our solidarity with Timaru Hospital and insist that local control stays local!

The ‘Gathering’ is a public meeting at the War Memorial Queen St Timaru from 10 am Sat 14 Dec.  Peter Doran who is chair of the SC branch of ASMS has agreed to update us on the fight to keep our services locally managed. Then I propose some minutes (tba) of silent contemplation on the personal cost to you and your family if Te Whatu Ora’s proposals go ahead  The meeting will be concluded by 11.am if you need to get away but people may wish to stay on for a ‘people’s forum’ Q&A discussion  and Timaru’s Mayor Nigel Bowen will be there and has agreed to take questions! You may also wish to walk around our beautiful hospital through the botanical gardens.

If YOU care, you CAN be there, and still in time for Strawberry Fare..

NB: No need to contribute monetarliy for your vote to count. Any contribution from you  does not go to the ‘cause’ it goes to the change.org website company.