Incoming Waitaki District Health Services (WDHS) chairman Chris Swann says he is "very optimistic" about the future of health services in the district. But the changes coming to Oamaru Hospital — and for healthcare in the Waitaki community — remain unknown, and some are reserving judgement until the details of Waitaki’s new "model of care" emerge. In July 2015, 2500 people marched to Oamaru Hospital to protest the proposed cuts. "It’s all very laudable to have nice words, but what does it actually mean in reality for Oamaru Hospital and Oamaru services? Further, he said Oamaru Hospital had been filled more regularly over the winter with reduced bed numbers in place.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 13, 2017 17:08 UTC