The West Coast District Health Board's plans for managing the General Practitioner shortage in Westport do not involve closure of Buller Health's Foote Ward.
Any suggestion that the ward is to close on Friday 24 July is incorrect.
In the Hospital Advisory Committee's report to Friday 24 July's Board meeting, the chair noted that, "due to the shortage of General Practitioners and the impact of the increase in workload due to seasonal illnesses, it was thought that Foote Ward may need to be closed temporarily, however it will continue to operate at reduced capacity subject to staff availability."
The chief executive's comment that contingency plans to manage the GP shortage are being developed and this may include the temporary closure of Foote Ward, was made over a week ago when the possibility was under consideration. The efforts of staff in coming up with alternative strategies and recruitment progress now make this situation highly unlikely.
For more information please contact
Bryan Jamieson
Community Liaison Officer
West Coast DHB
PO Box 387
Greymouth 7840
Phone (DDI): (03) 769-7665
Mobile: 027 245-9595
Email: