Latest Media Releases
Introducing This Page
This page introduces you to Media Releases publicised by the West Coast DHB. If there are any news you expected to find and they aren't shown here try our Media Releases Archive, or contact the West Coast DHB Communications Officer.
September 5, 2011
Newsletter gives snapshot of the West Coast health sector
The West Coast District Health Board this week releases its first Report to the Community, a newsletter giving a snapshot of what is happening in the health sector on the West Coast.
The Report details some of the ways the West Coast health sector is working to improve its delivery on health priority areas. The newsletter will be published three times a year and delivered to every household and business on the Coast.
David Meates, West Coast DHB CE, says communicating what the health sector is doing is a part of successfully delivering on health priorities.
"We want to better communicate with our community about what we are doing to improve health services. The Report highlights what we are achieving in partnership with other health providers and community organisations.
"We know people are worried about the continued provision of health services on the Coast. But there are good things happening and we are leading the country in areas such as telemedicine."
"We are committed to protecting the health of Coasters by delivering sustainable services within our community, while meeting the particular challenges of providing health care to a small population spread over a wide geographical area.
"Our priorities focus on delivering the right care, at the right place, and at the right time, within our budget, and in collaboration with other health service providers. We aim to fulfil the Government's initiative of providing Better, Sooner, More Convenient health services - services that are closer to home and help to make West Coasters healthier."
Mr Meates said the Report to the Community is also being sent to key people and organisations such as the Minister of Health, associate health ministers, MPs, and health sector professional groups. It also contains an opportunity for feedback, through 
or to Community Relations, PO Box 387, Greymouth 7840.
For further 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:
Telehealth - Bringing Specialists to Rural Areas
News Release on One News, Saturday, 23rd March
The use of telemedicine on the West Coast is world leading and the DHB should be very proud of how well it works.
Lorelei Mason, health reporter for TVNZ, met with Liaison Paediatrician Dr John Garrett and filmed a story about the success of the Transalpine Paediatric Service. Lorelei shot footage of John in Christchurch talking to a family in Buller. There was also a TVNZ cameraman at Buller Health filming the family talking with John. The news item was aired on One News, Saturday 23 March 2013.
Work is underway on expanding the use of telemedicine across a range of other services at the West Coast DHB.