Decision soon on centralised health services

Waikato District Health Board meets today to determine whether $ 1.9 million will be given to Tokoroa Hospital to accommodate primary care providers.

The deal (if approved) will mean the majority of general practitioners in Tokoroa will now be based at the hospital.

The meeting in Hamilton will explore the details of the proposal.

Approval is sought based on management’s advice that budget- ing is reasonably advanced and this project is of sufficient priority that it can be committed.

The project’s budget consists of $1.2m for ward three, $200,000 for the pharmacy, $400,000 for ward four and $100,000 for primary maternity.

Several providers are also keen to move early and there is a sixmonth project lead time until the facilities will be ready to occupy.

The proposal is an investment and tenancy arrangement to support the service integration strategy that the board has had for many years at Tokoroa and Taumarunui hospitals.

The proposed development will see two wards – ward three and four – being handed over to nongovernment organisation providers and the amalgamated community pharmacies relocating to the present health board physiotherapy area.

The facilities are unused except for physiotherapy which will be relocated to ward four, while ward three will be tenanted by Midlands Health Network’s three GP practices.

The joining community pharmacy will be part of a multidisciplinary team.

Talks are also occurring with primary maternity providers.

Building work will not occur until tenants have been finalised. Ward three needs more extensive work then ward four as the internal layout would be required to change.

Meanwhile, during tomorrow’s corporate and environment committee meeting, members from Waikato District Health Board and Midlands Health Network will provide an update of activities and plans for Tokoroa Hospital to the full meeting of South Waikato District Council.