The Hurunui community is being invited to have their questions answered on proposed changes to Hurunui’s health services.

A series of information sessions will outline proposals around a new Model of Care for Hurunui’s health services which has been developed by the Hurunui Health Services Development Group – a mix of local community members, government and health professionals facilitated by Canterbury Clinical Network.

Changes recommended as part of the proposed Model of Care include:

• Enhancements to existing services, including after-hours and community nursing services;
• The implementation of a number of new services to support existing services;
• Closer collaboration between health providers across the district;
• Improved technology to support access to services, such as a shared patient record and Telemedicine (consultations/assessments delivered via video);
• A new set of guidelines developed which outline the best methods for caring for patients, ensuring consistent and coordinated care.

Hurunui’s Deputy Mayor, Marie Black, is the chair of the Hurunui Health Services Development Group (HHSDG). She said: “The Hurunui has its own unique challenges and exploring those now is an important step in safeguarding the sustainability of our health services, and ensuring our community has access to the best possible health care within the funding available.

“It’s essential that the new model best meets your needs, your whānau’s needs and those of the wider Hurunui community, which is why your comment and contribution is crucial to getting this model right.”

Members of the public are invited to attend any of the open forums being held across the region. The forums provide a chance to meet members of the HHSDG, find out more about the proposals, and have your questions answered.

Refreshments will be provided at the sessions, held:

• Friday 8 December, 10-11am – Knox Presbyterian Church and Hall, 13 Reeve Street, Cheviot
• Friday 8 December, 1-2pm – Waikari Memorial Hall, 99 Princes Street, Waikari
• Friday 8 December, 3-4pm – St John Hall, Carters Road, Amberley
• Wednesday 13 December, 1.30-2.30pm – Hanmer Springs Memorial Hall, 1 Jollies Pass Road, Hanmer Springs
• Wednesday 13 December, 3.30-4.30pm – Rotherham Hall, 19 Heaton Street, Rotherham
• Wednesday 13 December, 7-8pm – Glenmark Pavilion, Church Road and Glenmark Drive, Waipara
• NEW DATE: Tuesday 19 December, 7-8pm – St John Hall, Culverden
• NEW DATE: Wednesday 20 December, 6.30-7.30pm – Glenmark Pavilion, Church Road and Glenmark Drive, Waipara

Download the information booklet, or pick up a printed copy at one of the five Hurunui health centres or council service centres. You can give us your feedback until 4pm, Sunday 7 January 2018, by:

• Completing the feedback form in the back of the information booklet and depositing it at one of our drop boxes, which are located in each of the five medical centres and six council service centres across the Hurunui district.
• Complete the feedback form in the back of the information booklet and post it back to us at CCN, PO BOX 741, Christchurch
• Use our online feedback form
• Email info@ccn.health.nz
• If you are visually impaired or need assistance to provide feedback, call the Canterbury Clinical network Programme Office on 021 683 728 between 9am and 3pm, Monday to Wednesday. This line will not be manned between 23 December 2017 and 7 January 2018.