Rural Health
Why is Rural Health one of MidCentral DHB’s Health Priority Areas?
There are many rural communities within MidCentral District Health Board and although these areas are serviced by health centres and specialist health and disability services are provided in Palmerston North, there are access issues, including but not limited to, emergency and after-hours services.
More information about planning around rural health is availiable in the Rural Health Strategy.
Cows standing in a row.
Rural Health Strategy - Discussion Document
MidCentral DHB is currently developing a Rural Health Strategy for the district. As part of this process, a Rural Health Strategy Discussion Document (607KB) has been released for comment and feedback.
Feedback Process
The engagement period will run from Friday the 6th of March until Tuesday the 14th of April, a period of 6 weeks. Five discussion meetings are being held in late March. The meetings will provide stakeholders and the community with an opportunity to discuss and comment on rural health services. The meeting dates are:
| Date |
Venue |
Eketahuna
Tuesday March 24
5.15pm – 6.15pm |
Eketahuna Health Clinic, (Lounge room)
1 Bengston Street, Eketahuna, Tararua |
Himatangi
Wednesday March 25
5.15pm – 6.15pm |
Himatangi Health Clinic, (Clinic Room),
Koputara road, Himatangi Beach |
Dannevirke
Thursday March 26
5.15pm – 6.15pm |
Rangitane o Tamaki nui a Rua, Tari
Te Papa Umutaoroa (commonly known as Copenhagen Sq)
91 High St
Dannevirke |
Otaki
Monday March 30
5.15pm – 6.15pm |
Otaki Community Health Centre,
Mill Road Otaki, (the driveway is almost opposite Domain rd) |
Kimbolton
Tuesday March 31
5.15pm – 6.15pm |
Kimbolton Town Hall
Edward St, Kimbolton |
As these times and dates will not suit everybody submissions can be posted, emailed or phoned to:
Tricia Keelan
Manager, Accountability and Planning
Funding Division
PO Box 2056
Palmerston North
Phone: (06) 350 8302
Email: tricia.keelan@midcentraldhb.govt.nz
Rural Health Strategy Discussion Document (607KB)
Staff Recruitment and Retention Issues
Rural Health services require health professionals who are able to deal with a wide range of health conditions, but recruiting and retaining staff in rural areas can be a difficulty.
Since the issue cannot be resolved in the short term, MidCentral DHB is taking a longer term approach.
MidCentral DHB’s strategies to improve Rural Health:
- Develop a distruct-wide transport strategy in collaboration with other agencies
- Establish ‘first response’ units
- Address the capability and capacity of the rural health workforce, including primary maternity services, in collaboration with local and regional councils
- Rural health forums
- Review the district’s accident and medical services
Investment
The value of added investment in this area is yet to be quantified. Regardless, there are funds incorporated within other health priority areas. Specific DHB funds for transport and accident/medical services will be considered in conjunction with initiatives delivered and funded by other agencies, for example the regional council.
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Last Updated 12/11/2009