Cash woes shut Hastings centre for arthritis

A Hastings service centre for arthritis sufferers has shut because of lack of funding.
Arthritis New Zealand has closed half its service centres throughout the country as a result of review findings in December, chief executive Sandra Kirby said.
About 530,000 people in New Zealand suffer from arthritis, a chronic complaint affecting a third of people over 45.
Exercise and support groups can still be accessed by people in Hawke's Bay, but the Duke St Service Centre's closure in May means there are no face-to-face meetings available.
Ms Kirby said the centre was run by paid and volunteer staff and the closure has meant two part-time staff were made redundant.
"The reality is it was a very expensive service to maintain," Ms Kirby said.
"It's not funded through the already stretched health dollar."
All the foundation's income for the Hawke's Bay region comes from public donations.
Money from other areas of the country was needed to operate the service centre.
The review found that the foundation's focus needed to be on public awareness and advocacy, resulting in the launch of a campaign called "Arthritis, it could surprise you".
Heretaunga Seniors Centre co-ordinator Barbara Byford said she was not notified that the centre was closing.
She said face-to-face services were essential as many factors, including hearing impairment, could make a phone call or a seminar difficult for older people.
"It's the only thing that actually works."
Exercise groups are still being held in Napier and Hastings and the next seminar to be held in the region by an arthritis educator is September 26 to 30.
People can phone 0800 663 463 for information or to contact their nearest support or exercise group.