Annette KING Health Spokesperson 25 September 2013 MEDIA STATEMENT Whatâs happening with Reefton, Mr Ryall? News today that Greymouth is getting a new hospital will come as a welcome relief to residents there, says Labourâs Health spokesperson Annette King. âIt is a shame, however, that the Coast was not higher up on the Governmentâs priority list â it has taken five years for Mr Ryall to give the facility the green light and in the interim patients have been forced to travel long distances to access services. âIt is also a win for Coasters that the integrated family centre in Westport will finally get to design stage after years of waiting, although it will be interesting to see whether the completed centre is what Mr Ryall actually promised. âOn the other hand, there is considerable concern in the district that Reefton Hospital, which provides care for the elderly, is to be closed and the patients transferred to Greymouth. Mr Ryall refused to give a guarantee that it will remain open in Parliament today. âIts closure would be a tragedy for the town. Itâs a hospital I know well, and the place my great grandfather had as his final home. âNational has a record of dealing to small rural communities - think Kaitaia, Thames, Masterton, Blenheim. âIn light of that Mr Ryall must give the people of Reefton some assurance. âIf itâs good enough to announce good news, then itâs good enough for him to tell residents there whatâs happening with their hospital.â
Posted on: Sat, 28 Sep 2013 06:20:54 +0000
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