Querying medics

More details are being sought by Porirua City Council on the paramedic service that is likely to replace Kenepuru Hospital’s accident and medical service between the hours of 10pm and 8am.

Mayor Nick Leggett and deputy mayor Liz Kelly have requested that Capital & Coast District Health Board outline its timeline and proposals before making any decisions on changes to the service.

‘‘I’ve written to Virginia Hope, the chair of the Capital and Coast DHB, thanking her for the openness in this discussion so far,’’ says mayor Leggett.

‘‘ But the community and the council need details of what is being proposed and we need to hear it before a decision is made.’’

Deputy mayor Liz Kelly says she is concerned that a ‘‘roving’’ paramedic team will be combined with a similar service in the Kapiti Coast and will cover Peka Peka to Churton Park.

‘‘While I understand this service works well in Kapiti you can’t tell me that paramedics based up there will be able to respond quickly to the afterhours needs of communities in our city.’’

Ms Kelly says the council is positive about any service that offers better care for Porirua residents.

‘‘We need to understand the detail with this proposal so that we can ask the questions our communities will be demanding.’’

Mr Leggett has invited Capital & Coast Health to a council committee meeting once a full proposal is developed so discussions can take place in a public forum.

He is hopeful residents have a chance to participate in the public debate.