There are no plans to close Ōamaru Hospital.

Waitaki District Councillors were updated on the progress of negotiations regarding the future of the Ōamaru Hospital in a meeting closed to the public last week.

The council was reassured by Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora chief executive Fepuleai Margie Apa, that there are no plans to close Ōamaru Hospital or withdraw any current services, in a letter sent to Mayor Gary Kircher last month.

The council also remains committed to ensuring the preservation of the Ōamaru Hospital and its services, and to collaborating with Health NZ Te Whatu Ora on the future of health services in the Waitaki district.

Future opportunities to work with Health NZ on the Te Waka Hauora o Waitaki Health Futures project, about how all publicly funded health services (including hospital and specialist services) in the Waitaki District can work together were also discussed.

“Negotiations are ongoing, and as a result, remain confidential,” Gary says. 

“However, councillors have been extremely clear that their immediate priorities are ensuring Ōamaru has a hospital, and the services our community rely upon. We also are committed to ensuring that the ratepayer is no worse off from the transfer of services.

“We know that health services are not meeting the needs of all our community so, in the longer term, we are committed to ensuring a local health system that delivers for everyone in Waitaki and ensures better health outcomes,” he says.

“We look forward to sharing more information with the community when we can.”