No gap in GP services

Ian Macara
Ian Macara
Health officials say even  if  a district-wide after-hours GP service  closes in Central Otago, that type of service will not end.

Neither Southern District Health Board strategy executive director Lisa Gestro nor WellSouth chief executive Ian Macara anticipated any gap in the provision of  24-hour services in the district if the current one  closed.

Mr Macara said WellSouth would work with  practices to establish an alternative service.

"Should [Central Otago After Hours] cease service delivery, these general practices, under their contract with WellSouth,  ...  will each have a responsibility to provide 24/7 care to their enrolled patients."

He said WellSouth had asked for an indication from each practice on how it would meet its  after-hours obligations from July 1, when the service would end if it could not be continued.

Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan said he had spoken to some  doctors and representatives from Central Otago After Hours. 

"My understanding is there is going to be further discussions to alleviate the situation and I’d be happy to be a part of those discussions."

When contacted by the Otago Daily Times  this week, Central Otago After Hours  practice manager Jenaya Smith would not elaborate  on the closure.

"We are still working through things."

GP practices in the district contacted by the Otago Daily Times  declined to comment.

tom.kitchin@odt.co.nz

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