What’s happening with Reefton, Mr Ryall?

News today that Greymouth is getting a new hospital will come as a welcome relief to residents there, says Labour’s Health spokesperson Annette King.

“It is a shame, however, that the Coast was not higher up on the Government’s priority list – it has taken five years for Mr Ryall to give the facility the green light and in the interim patients have been forced to travel long distances to access services.

“It is also a win for Coasters that the integrated family centre in Westport will finally get to design stage after years of waiting, although it will be interesting to see whether the completed centre is what Mr Ryall actually promised.

“On the other hand, there is considerable concern in the district that Reefton Hospital, which provides care for the elderly, is to be closed and the patients transferred to Greymouth. Mr Ryall refused to give a guarantee that it will remain open in Parliament today.

“Its closure would be a tragedy for the town. It’s a hospital I know well, and the place my great grandfather had as his final home.

“National has a record of dealing to small rural communities – think Kaitaia, Thames, Masterton, Blenheim.

“In light of that Mr Ryall must give the people of Reefton some assurance.

“If it’s good enough to announce good news, then it’s good enough for him to tell residents there what’s happening with their hospital.”

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