‘Disappointed’: Rangiora After-hours Clinic Promises Fall Flat

A community leader is frustrated over the lack of
progress made on a promised after-hours medical centre in
Rangiora.

Rangiora-Ashley Community Board chairperson
Jim Gerard said there’s been no progress on a new
after-hours facility for North Canterbury, despite the
strong need for one.

The proposed Rangiora Medical
facility was originally meant to open at the Rangiora Health
Hub on Ashley St in 2022, but the project has been beset by
delays, partly due to Covid.

‘‘There is no sign of
anything and it is really disappointing because it is a
service North Canterbury really needs,’’ Gerard
said.

‘‘I just want to express on behalf of the
community my disappointment at the lack of
progress.

‘‘The community had expectations which
at this stage have not been
delivered.’’

Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey, who is
also Associate Health Minister, said he was disappointed at
the lack of progress and he will be raising his concerns
with Health New Zealand / Te Whatu Ora.

The Ministry
of Health entered into an agreement with South Link Health
Group in 2021 for an after-hours facility.

It followed
a petition calling for after-hours healthcare being
presented to the former Canterbury District Health Board two
years earlier.

The Waimakariri District Council has
issued resource and building consents for the project, but
the not-for-profit health provider has yet to announce when
the build would start or set a timeframe for its
completion.

South Link Health Group, which is a
network of 26 medical practises, is responsible for funding
and constructing the new facility.

Two years ago,
South Link Health chief executive Karl Andrews briefed the
community board on plans to include full radiology services
(ultrasound, CT and MRI scans), GP services, a pharmacy, and
urgent after-hours healthcare.

Last year, the provider
announced it had completed the merger of two medical
practices and to future proof the operation ahead of
building the new medical centre.

Now known as Rangiora
Medical, the practice is continuing to operate from two
locations, Good Street and Victoria Street.

A HealthNZ
spokesperson said the new medical centre is being developed
by a private health group and ‘‘we continue to work with
them to progress their build’’.

South Link Health
Group has been contacted for comment.

WHERE TO GET
HELP

Currently, North Canterbury residents requiring
urgent after-hours care are advised to contact their GP to
speak to a triage nurse, or access a telehealth provider
(for a charge).

Durham Medical in Rangiora and
Amberley Medical Centre also offer Saturday morning
clinics.

Ka Ora Telecare, which offers phone or video
consultations with a doctor, is available to some North
Canterbury residents, go to
kaora.co.nz/app/services/sub-services/3.

Residents can
also access the 24-Hour Surgery in Christchurch or call 111
in an emergency.

LDR is local body journalism
co-funded by RNZ and NZ On
Air.

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