Janet Titchener's patients and supporters gathered at the Te Aranga Marae in Flaxmere last night, searching for solutions in the wake of the Hawke's Bay District Health Board cutting funding to the successful GPSI diabetic service.
The DHB had not renewed its contract with the $150,000 per annum service and previously stated it was not cost-effective.
About 140 people attended last night's hui, most speaking about how Dr Titchener and the GPSI service had changed their lives.
Before the meeting, DHB chief executive Dr Kevin Snee refused to send staff to the hui, fearing personal attacks.
Businessman Andy Lowe said he offered to fund an independent review to compare the cost of the GPSI service to the DHB service, but the health board had declined.