Changes on way at Ashburton Hospital

Canterbury District health board committee could today give the go ahead to major changes at Ashburton Hospital

The Hospital advisory committee will decide whether to give the go ahead to the revised report which would see the hospital lose its 24/7 acute surgical services.

Consultation on the draft changes received 81 submissions, with strong concern voiced about the loss of round the clock surgical services.

The District Health Board however says those services are not sustainable, due to the difficultly in attracting doctors and clinicians to the rural area.

So it has proposed keeping Ashburton Hospital open, but says it will focus on day and short stay surgical services.

If given the go ahead, the report will go to the District Health Board for final approval next month.

- NEWSTALK ZB