Today Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, Waitaki District Health Services (WDHSL) and Waitaki District Council confirmed a conditional sale and purchase agreement to support the transition of the services delivered at Ōamaru Hospital to Health NZ.
Margie Apa, Chief Executive of Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora said
"I believe this agreement will provide the people of Waitaki District with confidence of continued access to healthcare at Ōamaru Hospital and ensure continuity of employment for staff.
At a high level, it is proposed that Health NZ will purchase WDHSL's clinical equipment, stock, and take over licences, equipment operating leases and service agreements. It will also lease the Ōamaru Hospital facility from WDHSL.
This would mean a seamless transition on 1 July 2024 for staff and those using hospital services.
I want to acknowledge the work that WDHSL and the Waitaki District Council has done, over many decades, to ensure that the Ōamaru Hospital has delivered services locally, supporting both the health of the community, and providing employment for people in the Waitaki District.
Health NZ is also committed to working with the community, Council, and other stakeholders to develop an improved approach to achieving better health service access and outcomes for the Waitaki community through the Te Waka Hauora o Waitaki Health Futures Project."
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