Lobby group Health Action Wānaka (HAW) will meet with representatives from Health NZ later this month, following the recent publication of HAW’s report on the health needs of the Upper Clutha community.

The report - ‘Perception versus reality: the true state of healthcare in the Upper Clutha’ - published last week (April 2) highlighted significant unmet needs, systemic barriers, and a lack of strategic health planning.

“We are looking forward to working constructively with Health NZ to address the many areas of unmet need documented in our report,” HAW steering committee chair Monique Mayze told the Wānaka App.

The report was based on consultation with more than 300 members of the Upper Clutha community and health system stakeholders.

Read more: Healthcare crisis for Upper Clutha - report

Health NZ Te Waipounamu regional commissioner Chiquita Hansen told the Wānaka App the agency had “noted” the report but had “not yet had the opportunity to fully consider” it.

“Catering for the needs of the growing population of the Central Otago region is an ongoing consideration for Health New Zealand in terms of what might be needed right now, and in the future, and how best to deliver those services,” she said.

“We are committed to working with community leaders, papatipu rūnanga, and experts to design, deliver, and commission sustainable services that meet the current and emerging healthcare needs of the local community.” 

HAW’s report identified a lack of strategic health planning for the Upper Clutha. PHOTO: Supplied

The Wānaka App asked Health NZ what its response was to HAW's request of Health Minister Simeon Brown to introduce psychiatric consultations via telehealth within 12 months, deliver a publicly funded blood collection service in Wānaka within two years, and increase local access to publicly funded radiology services.

Chiquita responded in general terms that Health NZ was “committed to improving access to rural healthcare services and ensuring ongoing financial sustainability for hospitals and trusts operating in our rural communities”. 

She said Health NZ was actively using its Rural Health Strategy 2023 “to inform funding decisions”.

“... we look forward to continuing to work together with Health Action Wānaka to achieve the desired outcomes for the local community,” Chiquita said.

HAW and Health NZ will meet on April 24.