Tararua clinic changes to allow more MDHB patients to be seen

25/03/2009 | Tararua Clinics

MidCentral DHB will be reducing the number of outpatient clinics held in Dannevirke from next week so that hospital specialists can see more patients in its district.

The clinics involved are urology, general surgery and ophthalmology.  These services are facing increasing demand, and the specialists have looked at ways they can increase the total number of patients they can see.  One way is to hold more clinics in Palmerston North.  By doing this they will be able to see around 44 more people a month.

We recognise this action will impact around 36 Tararua residents a month who would previously have been seen at a clinic in Dannevirke.

Bookings for future urology, general surgery, and ophthalmology clinics, will clearly identify the clinic is to be held in Palmerston North.  Wherever possible bookings for people from outlying areas are scheduled at a time to avoid early morning or late evening travel.

A shuttle service operates between Tararua and Palmerston North Hospital (and return) and people may wish to use this.  We provide details of this service to local residents.

General surgery clinics in Horowhenua are also being reduced for the same reasons.  Four clinics will now be held a month (previously five).  It is anticipated that all new referrals will be seen in Horowhenua.  Repeat outpatients for the general surgery clinic will be required to travel to Palmerston North (up to 17 a month in the short term).

MidCentral Health apologises to the affected patients for any inconvenience.

CONTACT: Communications Unit: (06) 350-8945.