Media release from West Coast Tasman MP, Chris Auchinvole

West Coast Tasman MP, Chris Auchinvole has announced that the Joan Whiting Rest Home will be kept open as part of an agreement between the Ministry of Health and the Nelson-Marlborough District Health Board towards development of the Integrated Family Health Centre in Golden Bay.

Chris Auchinvole says, "That agreement includes having the Joan Whiting Rest Home as part of the Takaka Integrated Health Centre, and the rest home will remain open until residents can transfer to the new facility.

"I am relieved for the residents and their families that we have managed to remove the recent uncertainty. And for those who may have been planning to move to the beautiful Golden Bay to retire.

"When the Interim Management Group involved in the health centre reached agreement on a project plan, committed to applying for resource consents and completing the centre within 18 months, the government responded by committing resources to support the planning.

Resources include providing expertise in health planning, health architects, IT planning, models of care and health workforce.

Chris Auchinvole says, "It makes economic sense for health and care facilities in small communities to be integrated, so they benefit from the economies of scale.

"This is not some sort of a short term rescue package. It ensures the continuity of rest home care in Golden Bay, initially at Joan Whiting Rest Home, then in the new Integrated Health Centre once it is complete in 18 months.