Cohsl considers acquiring GP practice
A GP practice could become part of Central Otago Health Services Ltd’s operations at Dunstan Hospital, hospital leaders have confirmed.
But it is more likely health services will partner with or buy an existing practice than set up a new one, health services chairman Allan Kane and chief executive Debi Lawry say.
Mr Kane confirmed the intention during a presentation to the Alexandra, Clyde and Districts Business Group last week and Ms Lawry also confirmed it to the Otago Daily
They did not have any further details, including when a GP practice might be added, but said it was being considered as a way for the hospital to earn extra revenue.
Former chief executive Karyn Penno had confirmed in April health services was investigating the possibility of moving into primary healthcare, but would not start up a new GP medical practice. Ms Penno and the Otago Daily
had received feedback from Central Otago GPs and the public that it would be inappropriate to establish a new medi cal practice and compete with existing GP practices.
Ms Penno said health services had ruled out doing this.
Mr Kane said it was not uncommon for rural hospitals to include a GP practice and it fitted in with the Southern District Health Board’s new model of healthcare hubs.
He said a GP practice would also earn extra revenue for Dunstan Hospital.
Health services had been exploring ways to ‘‘start decreasing its reliance on the public purse’’, Mr Kane said in its annual report.
More funding options were also needed because of Central Otago’s growing and ageing population, he said.