Canterbury DHB neurologists will not be travelling to Greymouth a year to hold clinics. Neurology clinics have been cancelled for the foreseeable future on the West Coast and patients must traverse the Southern Alps to Christchurch. Up until recently, Canterbury DHB neurologists travelled to Greymouth four times a year to hold clinics. West Coast DHB general manager Phil Wheble said a national shortage of neurologists had led to difficulty filling vacancies in Christchurch and specialists there were focusing on urgent cases. Patients who must travel for specialist medical appointments are entitled to claim travel and accommodation expenses from the Ministry of Health's national travel assistance scheme.

Source: Stuff October 05, 2020 01:41 UTC