Hawke's Bay DHBWednesday 27 April 2011, 2:29PM
Media release from Hawke's Bay DHB
In less than two years Wairoa's new $5million integrated health
facility will be up-and-running and providing a new model of care
to the community, a report to the district health board revealed
today (27 April 2011).
Chief executive Kevin Snee said progress had been made integrating
Wairoa's health services and the new facility was expected to be
completed by January 2013.
Along with this announcement a contract had been signed with Health
Workforce New Zealand who will fund the appointment of a designated
project manager to manage the implementation of the integrated
services and fund the role of a clinical advisor to the
project.
"A significant amount of work has gone into getting the project to
this stage. A new model of care in Wairoa will help provide a
sustainable workforce model and support integrated health
delivery. This will be good for everyone, the community,
patients and staff working in the health system.
"I am particularly pleased one of the first effects of operating in
financial surplus will mean we can give certainty to a community
which has long deserved this commitment from its district health
board.
"Without this, the long term viability of health services in Wairoa
is seriously threatened," Dr Snee said.
A new steering group had been appointed which would give the
project added impetus.
Wairoa's deputy mayor Denise Eaglesome and well known Wairoa
identity Rill Meihana had been appointed along with Kevin Snee, Dr
Peter Foley, and Sarah Mulcahy. Hayley Anderson would stay on as
acting project manager until the full time project manager was
appointed.
Hayley Anderson said the appointment of a full time project manager
was critical in order for the project to meet planned timeframes
and make traction.
"We are currently short listing candidates to the role and the
successful candidate is expected to be in place in ten weeks
time.
Ms Anderson said one of the crucial aspects to the role would be
for the project manager to live in Wairoa for a minimum of three
days a week.
"The next steps are to continue to work closely with the key
clinical leaders in Wairoa and make sure they are involved in the
decision making process" she said.