Petition shows hospital support

Mayor K Gurunathan signing the community hospital petition at Coastlands last week. Photo: Jack Penman

Kapiti mayor K Gurunathan listened to countless stories from the public during the launch of the community hospital petition at Coastlands on Wednesday last week.

According to the mayor, there was clear support from the community for the introduction of a hospital in Kapiti, particularly with 46 per cent of Kapiti's disability population aged 65 years and over.

"People have said it's about time.

"That's the clear message we are getting from the public supporting the launch of the petition.

"It's been received with great enthusiasm."

According to the petition, 30 per cent of Kapiti's population has a disability, compared with 24 per cent nationwide.

Many locals signed up and shared their experiences with the lack of immediate services in Kapiti, and the long travel times to Wellington Hospital.

It was just the beginning, he said, of a conversation amongst communities, the DHBs and ministry on the growing health needs in not only Kapiti, but all communities.

"I want to make a personal call to members of the public to help spread the word and get family members and friends to sign up.

"I also want to congratulate the members of the Kapiti Health Coalition who have organised the petition and the Kapiti Health Advocacy Group, which is exploring greater partnership with the DHB for the good sterling work they are doing to advance the health needs of Kapiti."

To find out where to sign the petition head to www.kchospital.nz