No gap in GP services

HEALTH officials say even if a districtwide afterhours GP service closes in Central Otago, that type of service will not end.

Neither Southern District Health Board strategy executive director Lisa Gestro nor WellSouth chief executive Ian Macara anticipated any gap in the provision of 24hour services in the district if the current one closed.

Mr Macara said WellSouth would work with practices to establish an alternative service.

‘‘Should [Central Otago After Hours] cease service delivery, these general practices, under their contract with WellSouth, . . . will each have a responsibility to provide 24/7 care to their enrolled patients.’’

He said WellSouth had asked for an indication from each practice on how it would meet its afterhours obligations from July 1, when the service would end if it could not be continued.

Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan said he had spoken to some doctors and representatives from Central Otago After Hours.

‘‘My understanding is there is going to be further discussions to alleviate the situation and I’d be happy to be a part of those discussions.’’

When contacted by the Otago Daily Times this week, Central Otago After Hours practice manager Jenaya Smith would not elaborate on the closure.

‘‘We are still working through things.’’

GP practices in the district contacted by the Otago Daily

declined to comment.