Councillors raise DHB integration concerns

Concern for plans to integrate hospital services in the region have been raised by Porirua City councillors.

Capital & Coast District Health Board chairwoman Virginia Hope gave a presentation to the city council’s committee on March 14. While Wairarapa, Hutt Valley and Capital & Coast boards will not merge, they plan to bring clinical services together, especially in primary and hospital care.

‘‘We’re building on relationships that are already there, in order to improve the quality of patient care across the region. It’s a process of evolution, not revolution.’’

Common policies and protocols would be established, along with streamlined governance, such as one senior management team, HR, communications, IT and single disability and other advisory committees.

Councillor Ken Douglas said recent criticisms of C&CDHB’s performance and direction needed to be addressed, but Ms Hope said the health board was committed to improving health services across the region.

Capital & Coast board member Margaret Faulkner told Kapi-Mana News before the meeting that better communication was required to inform the community about what the 3DHB concept means.