Media release from Porirua City Council

Porirua residents will want a strong voice in the discussion about the future of the Kenepuru After-Hours Accident & Medical service, say the city's Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

Mayor Nick Leggett and Deputy Mayor Liz Kelly have jointly requested that Capital and Coast District Health Board outline its timeline and proposals before making any decisions on changes to the service.

"I've written to Virginia Hope the chair of the Capital and Coast DHB thanking her for the openness in this discussion so far," says Mayor Leggett. "But the community and the council need details of what is being proposed and we need to hear it before a decision is made."

Deputy Mayor Liz Kelly says she is concerned that a 'roving' paramedic team will be combined with a similar service in the Kapiti Coast and will cover Peka Peka to Churton Park.

"While I understand this service works well in Kapiti you can't tell me that paramedics based up there will be able to respond quickly to the after hours needs of communities in our city."

Clr Kelly says that the council is positive about any service that offers better care for Porirua residents.

"We need to understand the detail with this proposal so that we can ask the questions our communities will be demanding."

Mayor Leggett has invited Capital and Coast Health to a council committee meeting once a full proposal is developed so discussions can take place in a public forum and he is hopeful residents have a chance to participate in the public debate.

"As I have said, I think it's important we approach this with an open mind. But all groups in our community deserve a chance to have their questions answered. It is the Council's job to ensure that happens."