Medical centre made possible by so many

THE East Otago Community Health Trust would like to express a public thank you to all the trusts, businesses and individuals who so generously donated money to help build a new medical centre in Palmerston.

This practice serves a huge area — inland to Macraes, to Hampden in the north and to Blueskin Bay in the south.

To the Otago Community Trust, Waitaki District Council, Oceana Gold, the Trust Community Foundation, Alexander McMillian Trust, A. A. W. Jones Trust, Macraes Community Development Trust, Lions Club of Palmerston, the Roy Family, A. and H. Familton, K. and M. Philips, and Graymont Ltd as major sponsors to this development, we say a heartfelt thank you.

The cottage hospital complex, which opened in 1928 and which the new building replaces, certainly had some historical connection to the area. Once it closed, the building became the local maternity unit and on its closure became the Palmerston Medical Centre.

However, by 2014 it was no longer ‘‘fit for purpose’’, with increasing amounts being spent to maintain it as a medical centre. When the decision was made to replace it, the fundraising began.

For many people it was hard to see the old building being demolished, but the health trust is sure both staff and patients are thrilled with the new building.

Ruth Porteous Secretary, East Otago Community

Health Trust

Smooth rail crossings

WHAT a wonderful job KiwiRail has done in upgrading the railway crossings at Maheno, and in Solway St, Oamaru. They must be the smoothest in the country.

Now, would it be possible for them to do the same at the crossing in Thames St, Oamaru? It is in a deplorable state.

If it would help, I am sure there are plenty of citizens who would put their names to a petition.

Bernard Wilkinson

Oamaru