Waimakariri’s mayor hopes to get answers on the future of Oxford Hospital soon.
Dan Gordon chaired a community meeting in Oxford with Te Whatu Ora Health NZ on Tuesday to address concerns about the provision of healthcare in rural communities.
The community has been calling for answers on the future of the hospital for some time, as the building is in need of maintenance and under-utilised.
‘‘Rural communities face a unique set of challenges when it comes to healthcare,’’ Mr Gordon said.
‘‘Distance is a major factor for many people - particularly older residents - travelling to larger centres for care is not easy or practical.
‘‘We also know our population is ageing, which means demand for local health services is increasing, not decreasing.’’
Mr Gordon said facilities like the Oxford Hospital played a vital role in meeting those needs.
The nearest major hospital is in Christchurch, an almost hour journey away.
Health NZ spokesperson Greg Hamilton said no decisions have been made on the future of the Oxford Hospital.
‘‘The services provided by these facilities have changed over time with improvements in healthcare.
‘‘This means Canterbury rural facilities no longer provide care as part of a person’s acute journey, with the focus shifting to community services for elderly people, including long-term residential care, respite care and end-of-life care.’’
Mr Hamilton said Health NZ will continue engaging with the Oxford community to explore what health services will be required in the future.
Conversations have already been held about the possibility of Health NZ partnering with the Oxford Community Health Centre, which runs the town’s medical centre.
The health centre board purchased a large section in Weld St, Oxford, where it plans to build a new medical centre to serve the town and surrounding rural area.
The existing health centre shares its Park Ave site with the Oxford Hospital.
‘‘The health system's role is to work in partnership with communities to support their health and wellbeing,’’ Mr Hamilton said.
‘‘Communities have a role in helping identify the services that will best support them, which are safe, reliable and sustainable.’’
But it will not replace the need to travel to larger centres for specialist services, he said.
The council does not have direct responsibility for health services, but Mr Gordon said it had a role in advocating for the community.
‘‘That means working alongside residents, listening to their concerns, and making sure those concerns are heard by central government and Health NZ.’’
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
