Residents react to potential closure

Porirua people reacted swiftly to news that Kenepuru Hospital’s after hours service was earmarked for closure.

The comments on the KapiMana News Facebook page overwhelmingly supported retaining the service for Porirua residents and those living further north.

Felicity Rutledge said local people who caught taxis to Kenepuru wouldn’t be able to afford a trip to Wellington Hospital. Kirsten Eichler added that the free parking offered at the hospital was a drawcard to stay away from Wellington’s service.

There was an eight-hour wait at Wellington Hospital a few weeks ago and it was essential the after-hours service stayed in Porirua, Belinda Giles said.

But Rose Gawn said the service was just a GP with longer hours and longer queues. ’’Porirua is a growing city and needs emergency facilities for its residents.’’

Christine Bruce thought the closure shouldn’t even be contemplated.

‘‘If you take into consideration the area and population which Kenepuru Hospital serves, it must [have] such a facility available.’’

Shannon Casey also worried about services north of Porirua.

‘‘We have nothing useful in Kapiti, it’s Kenepuru or Palmerston North at the moment. [It] would be ridiculous if it was further away than Porirua. They need to keep it open.’’

Some people were concerned about putting extra pressure on Wellington Hospital.

‘‘Why overload the already overloaded service in Wellington?’’ Victoria Smith said.

Jacqui Haggland summed up many parent’s concerns.

‘‘As a parent who has had to use it for a baby, having to travel into the Wellington after hours is