Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) chair Simon Telfer has been “inundated with questions” ahead of a public meeting this Wednesday (March 20) on health services. 

The WUCCB decided to facilitate a public meeting about the Upper Clutha’s strained medical health services to get “questions answered on behalf of the community”. 

Despite a rapidly expanding population (including many retired and elderly people), the Upper Clutha is served by only three GP practices, two of which reduced after hours care last winter. Many locals have reported finding it difficult to see a doctor at short notice.

“Overwhelmingly people are concerned about after hours care and emergencies that may happen during the night,” Simon said.

Community board chair Simon Telfer said there will be an announcement about day surgery at the meeting. PHOTO: Jeannine Tuffin

“What if the ambulance is called out of town and a cardiac arrest happens?”

Go deeper: Medical services ‘under strain’ subject of public meeting

“Others are asking about the equity for members of the community in having to pay for routine health services that are provided free of charge elsewhere,” he said. 

“Also the time and burden on families when there is a need to travel to Dunedin for short appointments and procedures.”

Simon said there is frustration in the community about the wait times to book an appointment with a GP; residents have criticised the lack of mental health services; and people are disappointed that the planned primary birthing unit is still under construction.

Speakers at the public meeting on Wednesday March 20 (from 7-8pm at the Lake Wānaka Centre) will include Dunstan Hospital clinical director Jonathon Wills, Aspiring Medical Centre GP Dr Fiona MacLean, Te Whatu Ora Southern chief medical officer David Gow, Hato Hone St John Central Otago area operations manager David Baillie, and Te Whatu Ora Southern group director of operations Hamish Brown.

“We will also have an announcement about a new health focussed development that will provide day surgery options for local residents,” Simon said.

“We are expecting a strong turnout so attendees are encouraged to arrive early for a 7pm start.”

Attendees should send questions in advance either to community board members or via the event page on the Queenstown Lakes District Council website.