Public submissions on a Waitaki District Health Services Trust (WDHS) proposal to build a retirement complex which would include 40 rest-home care beds, had been 90% supportive, Waitaki District Council chief executive Michael Ross said.
Mr Ross said 80 submissions were received on the proposal, which would create two new council-controlled organisations to manage and operate facilities on an 8ha site on Oamaru's ''Hospital Hill''.
''The proposal aims to help address the growing demand for quality and affordable aged-care facilities in Waitaki resulting from a higher-than-average ageing population.''
A submission from Age Concern Waitaki supported the idea ''in principle'', but suggested ''serious consideration'' should be given to the ratio of ordinary to premium beds ''to ensure equality of service to Waitaki residents rather than an elite service to those who can afford it''.
''The rest-home and aged-care facility proposed will create 40 beds. It is common practice in other areas to offer premium beds, which for an additional cost offer extra amenities over and above those required for residents purely on government subsidy,'' the submission said.
The complex would be built in three stages and would be paid for by WDHS, a wholly owned subsidiary of the council, and would not require ratepayer funding.
Initially, the complex would provide 21 villas of up to three bedrooms, 12 apartments, 40 rest-home care beds in individual en-suite rooms and a community centre with library, chapel, technology, media and music rooms, fitness suite, gymnasium, hair salon and provision for indoor bowls. Up to another 21 villas, 12 apartments and 40 hospital care beds could later be provided.
Mr Ross said the council would consider submissions, and hear verbal submissions, on Tuesday, September 10, and would make a decision whether to confirm its support for the proposal on September 24.
