Locals can support the Save Our Southern Hospital campaign by visiting ‘Cliff’, Dunedin City Council’s campaign ambulance, in Wānaka this afternoon (Friday November 22).

Cliff has been travelling the country to build support for the campaign and teaming up with other groups who want the government to reverse recently announced budget cuts to Dunedin's new hospital.

“We want the hospital we were promised – one that is fit for purpose now and for decades to come, not a cut-price ambulance at the bottom of the cliff,” Dunedin mayor Jules Radich said.

Cliff will be in Wānaka at the Dinosaur Park from 2pm-3pm today and local advocacy group Health Action Wānaka (HAW) said going along provides ”an opportunity for our community to show its support for the campaign”.

“We know that even with increased hospital services based in the Central-Lakes area, Upper Clutha residents will continue to need access to more specialised tertiary-level health services based in Dunedin,” the group said. 

“This is why we support the Save Our Southern Hospital campaign which is advocating for the government to fulfil its election promise to build the new Dunedin Hospital as planned.”

HAW said it was “in all of our best interests” for the new Dunedin Hospital to have the capacity to meet the healthcare needs of people across the Southern region.

“…we don’t think it’s acceptable for politicians to pit our district against the broader Southern health region when it comes to funding for equitable access to healthcare.”

Representatives from the Save Our Hospital campaign, including drivers Mike and Pam, will be at the Dinosaur Park from 2pm-3pm today to answer any questions people have, and they will be selling $5 badges to help fund the campaign.

HAW steering committee member Trish Anderson will also be there.

Earlier this month Cliff travelled to the Beehive in Wellington, delivering to the government the New Zealand Nurses Organisation’s petition calling on it to reverse plans to scale back the budget for the hospital.

PHOTO: Dunedin City Council