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 was also Associate Health Minister, said he was disappointed at the lack of progress and he would 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, a network of 26 medical practises, was 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 — as well as 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 was continuing to operate from two locations, Good Street and Victoria Street.
A HealthNZ spokesperson said the new medical centre was 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 go for help
Currently, North Canterbury residents requiring urgent after-hours care were 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 offered Saturday morning clinics.
Ka Ora Telecare, which offered phone or video consultations with a doctor, was available to some North Canterbury residents.
Residents could also access the 24-Hour Surgery in Christchurch — or, in an emergency, call 111.
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.