Win for our community

Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey says the official sign-off of the seven day, family health centre is a win for the community.

“This is an exciting milestone for our residents and I want to acknowledge our community who worked together to bring this over the line. Sandi McLean was tireless in her efforts to collect signatures for our petition, which we presented to the Canterbury District Health Board at my public meeting. We got the commitment that night we would get a seven-day integrated family health centre on our doorstep.

“I acknowledge former CDHB Planning and Funding GM Carolyn Gullery for meeting our residents face-to-face at my public meeting and for hearing us. With the recent loss of leadership within the CDHB, I immediately met with acting CEO Andrew Brant in person to ensure timeframes and delivery of our after-hours facility would remain a priority and I was reassured that he was keeping after-hours on track.

“We can’t have a conversation about after-hours health care without acknowledging Paula Thackwell for her energy and persistence in raising this as an issue of importance for our residents.

“Our community has fought hard for this win and we can justifiably be proud of what we have achieved,” Doocey said.