Dr John Arnold, a founding member of Servants Health
Centre, a facility which will offer free primary medical
care in central Dunedin and link people with other health
providers and social agencies. Photo by Bruce Munro
The prospect of a free health centre being open in
central Dunedin by Christmas is being lauded by social
agencies.
Healthcare professionals including doctors, nurses and
counsellors are volunteering their time to provide free
primary health care and related services, Dr John Arnold, a
Dunedin GP who hopes to open Servants Health Centre in
Princes St before the end of the year, says.
Social agencies have welcomed the plan as a significant
initiative which will meet a pressing need.
Servants Health Centre has leased a street-front building
near the corner of Princes St and Moray Pl and is awaiting
building consents to make alterations before opening.
The centre's board of trustees are Dr Arnold, who has been a
GP in South Dunedin for 20 years, Dunedin Hospital head of
surgery Professor Andre van Rij, and midwife and counsellor
Helen Ferguson.
"It will be a health centre for people who are struggling to
afford healthcare," Dr Arnold said.
"A lot of people aren't going to the doctor, or they might
take their children but not take themselves, or they go but
don't pay.
"We think there is a huge opportunity here to help those who
are really struggling."
No-one will be charged for seeing a health professional at
the centre, which will be funded by government primary
healthcare funding and donations.
The centre has a database of about 80 people who have offered
"their help, time or support", Dr Arnold said.
At the start of this year, Dr Arnold reduced his hours at his
South Dunedin practice to pursue his dream of a free health
centre.
"When I became a follower of Jesus six years ago, I
discovered God has a lot of love for all people," Dr Arnold
said.
"I used to work to make money to be comfortable, but I've
found for joy you need to work for something bigger than
yourself.
"We are here to serve."
Those volunteering their services include specialist health
professionals who can be called on to provide advice.
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