Although Dannevirke's Kay McKenzie continues to campaign for more doctors, services in Dannevirke are doing exceptionally well in meeting the community's expectations, MP Alastair Scott says.
"Many doctors' clinics throughout the country are full, including in urban areas, so are not taking on more patients because they have reached their patient capacity, but Dannevirke's Barraud St clinic is currently enrolling new patients which means people moving to the area don't have to worry about enrolment with a GP practice," Mr Scott told the Dannevirke News.
"Another bonus is Dannevirke's open book policy which allows people who are acutely unwell to be seen by a GP on the day without an appointment. This is uncommon in most areas where you sometimes have to wait a couple of days to see a GP or visit the after-hours [clinic] which often has a long waiting time. Access to emergency services is also provided by the triage services at Dannevirke Community Hospital."
However, Mrs McKenzie, who campaigned hard for more doctors during her recent unsuccessful tilt at the Tararua mayoralty, said she wants to see the Tararua be part of the GP bonding system.
"[Prime Minister] John Key has said he's going to provide more GPs for Hawke's Bay, but what about our rural areas?"