How to ease the squeeze at city ED

I note with interest an article regarding the emergency department (ED) being under pressure.

According to ECan’s long-term plan, the population of ‘‘Greater Christchurch’’ is close to 500,000. Auckland’s population is 1.5 million and they have four hospitals (South Auckland, West Auckland, Auckland City and North Shore) – one for every 375,000 people.

The population of North Canterbury (Waimakariri and Hurunui districts) is in excess of 70,000. Waimakariri does not even have an after-hours service apart from an ad-hoc arrangement with St John (which provides an excellent service). Hurunui has a very limited after-hours service.

Oamaru, Ashburton, Greymouth, Blenheim and Nelson are all areas with a population of less than that of North Canterbury, but they all have their own hospitals.

A suggestion: Establish a proper hospital with an emergency department in Rangiora to serve the needs of North Canterbury. Advantages: It will take the strain off Christchurch Hospital and ensure that North Canterbury has adequate medical facilities in the event of another disaster where transport to Christchurch is an issue.

While Christchurch Hospital is a great facility, lack of foresight in planning means there are not enough beds to service the current population and future population growth. Furthermore, the lack of adequate parking facilities makes another hospital in this region common sense. Alan Rogers Rangiora