Assurances over West Coast paediatric care

West Coast local body leaders say they are satisfied with the West Coast District Health Board's assurances that Grey Hospital can provide around-the-clock care for children.

Local mayors and the chairs of the West Coast Regional Council and West Coast Development Trust met board chief executive John Luhrs and operations manager Ebel Kremer in Westport on Monday.

Grey Mayor Kevin Brown called the meeting after concern about reduced paediatric services at Grey Hospital.

The board said it now had four doctors, including a locum, three of whom were prepared to care for children at Grey.

Buller Mayor Pat O'Dea said some sick Coast children would always have to be transferred elsewhere for specialist care unavailable on the Coast.

"In my view, the DHB is as committed as anyone else to ensuring we have the right people to do the right job and to give the best health care to the residents of the West Coast."

Mr Luhrs said the board was still working on a permanent solution to provide "a robust and sustainable service".

Mr Brown said he was pleased round-the-clock cover was now available for Coast children.

"From where we were last week I think we've come a long way."