Owaka woman Sandra Grant knows only too well the value of neurosurgery services in Dunedin.
Mrs Grant, a former Christchurch-based nurse who helped patients recovering from brain injuries, also has two family members who had relied in the past on neurosurgery services at Dunedin Hospital.
And, two years ago, another friend also required the hospital's specialist services following a "very nasty" car accident, she said.
Now, the first-hand experience had prompted Mrs Grant to organise a rally in Owaka, as part of the campaign to save the Dunedin-based neurosurgery services.
The rally would be held at the Owaka Community Centre on Friday, beginning at noon, with a "circle of support" being formed around the building from 12.15pm, she said.
The rally would take place at the same time a silent protest - also including a circle of support - was held at Dunedin Hospital.
Mrs Grant said there appeared to be strong support in the rural township south of Balclutha for the continuation of neurosurgery services in Dunedin.
She hoped between 50 and 100 people would attend Friday's rally.
It was "hugely important" the service was retained in Dunedin for patients from across Otago and Southland, she believed.
"Time is such a huge issue in terms of outcome that you just can't afford to waste time.
"Down here, even by the time the ambulance gets to us the 'golden hour' ... is pretty much shot."
Mrs Grant also feared the loss of neurosurgery services could put the city's health services on a slippery slope: "You lose one thing and you will lose the next. It just can't be allowed to start, really."
